Robert Lynn McDaniel, 101, of Godfrey, passed away Friday, May 16, 2025 at Evercare at University in Edwardsville. He was born November 25, 1923 in Brunswick, MO to Julius and Ella. He grew up on a farm in Exeter, Illinois. He married Emma Lucile on January 19, 1947 in East Alton, IL and together they shared 76 years of marriage until Emma's passing in 2023.

Robert served his country in the Army during World War II as a Tec 5 with a specialization of Machine Gunner with the 237th AAA Bn Battery B. He participated in campaigns within New Guinea and the Southern Philippines (Liberation). While stationed at Port Moresby Airfield, New Guinea, with a twin 50 caliber aircraft gun, he told how he did recon behind enemy lines placing explosives on any supply trucks that drove by him. One truck was full of high explosives and while crawling away he felt the ground blow up in his face breaking his nose. He also told us how he earned the trust of the Aboriginal people and became blood brothers with them. His decorations and honors include four Overseas Service Bars, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars and two Bronze Arrowheads, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was a lifetime member of the Alton VFW Post 1308.

He loved to fly planes and was 100 hours shy of getting his commercial pilot license before suffering hearing loss. Robert worked at Laclede Steel Company as a wire drawer for 32 years before retiring in 1982. He was a member of the United Steelworkers Union.

During his lifetime he enjoyed working on and rebuilding bicycles, cars, trucks, motorcycles, lawn mowers, tractors and whatever else he could get his hands on. Most weekends were spent at the stock car races, watching boxing matches, and enjoying all the St. Louis area attractions. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, tending a garden, metal detecting, Cardinal games and watching Wheel of Fortune.  As his family grew, he cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Every Sunday his yard would fill with cars as family gathered for lunch and an afternoon of visiting, celebrating, or just spending time together sometimes right into suppertime. Robert found joy in life's simple pleasures and was often seen outdoors walking, watching the cars go by or enjoying a moment of rest in his hammock.

He is survived by his children, Ellen (Chuck), Lois, Roberta (Terry), Lucy, James, and Ruth (Mike); his grandchildren Charlie, Amy, Jeremie (Geet), Greg (Cheska), Kerry (Laura), Amanda (Steve), Jonathan (Nina), Misty, Miranda (Josh), Jennifer (Frank), Heather (Josh), Jessica (Thom), Charlie (Mallory), Crystal (Craig), Evelyn (Chris), and Emily; his great-grandchildren Courtney, Tanaya, Dakota, Avalon, Mason, Atticus, Grant, Lucas, Lux, Audrina, Will, Viviana, C.J., Addison, Jocelyn, Gabriella, Olivia, Blake, Mathew, Zachary, Esme, Memphis, Alex, Azalea, Asher, Lu, Zander, Maverick, Gatlin, Dani-Jo, Everleigh, and Lilikoi; and his great-great grandchildren Adelena and MaeLynn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Ella; siblings, Warren, Ira, Gladys, Ralph, Wayne, Carlyle, Glenna, Chester, James, and Ella Mae; granddaughters Melissa and Audrianna; a son-in-law, Vance; and a daughter-in-law, Rhonda.

Services will be held for family and close friends. Burial will be at Medora Cemetery, with military honors by Alton VFW Post #1308 Ritual Team.  Paynic Home for Funerals is in charge of the arrangements.