Brooks McDaniel

Tribute

Brooks Siegal McDaniel was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia. After graduating from high school, he joined his father in the family business, Stove Doctor. At the age of 20, Brooks answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. During his six years of service, he proudly served his nation while working on helicopters. Following his military service, Brooks returned to the family business before accepting a position with the Department of Veterans Affairs. While navigating his own disability journey, he and his wife, Lucinda, raised their family and operated a business dedicated to helping fellow veterans obtain the benefits they had earned through their service. Later in life, Brooks and Lucinda sold their home and traveled the country in their RV before settling in Salome, Arizona. After the loss of Lucinda in 2019, Brooks unexpectedly found love again with Loren, a middle school science teacher. Their connection was immediate, and after meeting through Facebook Dating, they were married on January 10, 2020. Although the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the wedding celebration they had planned, it never diminished the joy they found in one another. In 2021, Brooks and Loren celebrated their marriage with an RV honeymoon, traveling to New Orleans, Cape Hatteras, Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore, and many other beautiful places while reconnecting with family and friends. Brooks later rededicated his life to the Lord and faithfully served as a nursing home chaplain in Surprise, Arizona, bringing hope, prayer, and encouragement to countless residents. He also volunteered with Builders Club, mentoring middle school students, and with Kiwanis, serving his community and veterans at Luke Air Force Base. Brooks was known for his generous heart, quick wit, and genuine love for people. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved cooking, dogs, arranging flowers, refinishing furniture, and working with his hands. One of his favorite projects was building an elaborate backyard train layout for his grandson, Kieran, creating memories they would treasure together. After moving to Mesa, Brooks devoted himself to writing a book and articles to help others better understand Jesus Christ and grow in their faith. Brooks will be remembered for his faithful service to his country, his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, his deep love for family, his adventurous spirit, and his ability to bring laughter wherever he went. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched with his compassion, generosity, servant's heart, and his desire to help others discover the hope, grace, and love found in Jesus Christ.

Friends & Family

Brooks was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Vinton McDaniel; his former wives, Maureen and Lucinda McDaniel; and his sister, Carol McDaniel. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Loren McDaniel; his mother-in-law, Sharon South; his stepdaughters, Camryn McCullers and Caitlyn O'Rangers; and many dear friends whose lives were forever touched by his kindness, humor, generosity, and servant's heart. He also leaves behind his sons, Paul McDaniel and Patrick Vanier; his daughters, Melissa McDaniel and Ardra McDaniel; his grandsons, Robert McDaniel, Seth McDaniel, Isaac Harter, and Kieran O'Rangers; and his sisters, Meichelle Quigley and Cheri Ard.