Dennis Elwood McDaniel, age 76, of Troy, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at Soin Medical Center in Beavercreek.  He was born on February 25, 1945, in Troy to the late James Elwood McDaniel and Nancy Eva (Wilhelm) McDaniel Shortt.  Dennis met Jane, his loving wife and best friend, while working at Upper Valley Medical Center in the Maintenance department. They would marry in 1994.

In addition to his wife, Dennis is survived by children: Jim (Cindy) McDaniel, Xenia OH, Chris (Amanda) Shoup, Casstown OH and Angie (Dustin) Copas, Troy OH siblings: Ladonna (Neil) Mangan, New Carlisle, OH, Ladeena (Paul) Massey, New Carlisle, OH and Darrell (Debbie) McDaniel, Troy, OH: ten grandchildren: Ashley (Christopher) McDaniel, Aundrea (Zeb) McDaniel, James McDaniel II, Jemisan Inlow, Jeylan Inlow, Kasey Copas, Chaz (Samantha) Copas and Brock Copas, Hailey Baker and Erin Baker; and one great grandchild: Kayden McDaniel.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother: Douglas James McDaniel; step-mother: Mary Milburn McDaniel; and step-father: James Herman Shortt.

Dennis is a graduate of Bethel High School.  He was a Maintenance Technician - Retired from Upper Valley Medical Center after many years of service.  Dennis proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy on the USS Forrestal CVA-59, from May of 1964 to May of 1968, while being awarded the Vietnam Service Medal.  As an avid camper, Dennis truly enjoyed his retirement with Jane, spending time with his family and extended camping family at Indian Trails Campground at Indian Lake.  If Dennis wasn't at the lake, he would be found in his workshop making wooden signs with jokes and small sayings to put a smile on the face of those he loved.  With Bluegrass music always playing in the background, Dennis loved to spend afternoons watching the Cincinnati Bengals or Nascar, tending to his garden or fire, and canning different foods to try in his next recipe.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are being handled by Baird Funeral Home in Troy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Yellow Ribbon Fund.  https://yellowribbonfund.org/. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com..

Yellow Ribbon Fund
Web: https://yellowribbonfund.org/