Former ACU post office manager, and avid sports fan dies at 87

Leao McDaniel, a 1947 graduate of Abilene Christian University and former manager of University Mail Services, died June 13 in Abilene at the age of 87.

McDaniel was born July 21, 1921, in Carbon, Texas. He attended Carbon High School and Ranger Junior College before enrolling at Abilene Christian in 1943. From his arrival on the campus to his retirement from the ACU Post Office in 1986, McDaniel lived close to ACU, both literally and figuratively.

"Leao had a lifelong, close relationship with ACU, and it manifested in different ways," said Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of ACU. "It especially took form in athletics. Leao took pride in the fact that he was present at every home football game for the last 61 years and only missed a handful of home basketball games. But he wasn't just a sports fan; he was real supporter and encourager to the players and coaches. Leao lived a life close to ACU."

McDaniel began work at ACU in April 1950 as bookkeeper until 1954, when he became an auditor. He was named manager of ACU Mail Services in 1969, where he served until his retirement in 1986. He also served on the ACU Scholarship Committee (1954-69), and was president of the Abilene Christian Schools PTA in 1968.

In 2004, McDaniel became one of the original Centennial Photography Archivists Team volunteers, helping ACU with its historical photography collection in preparation for the Centennial. This group did not stop meeting after the Centennial ended in 2006, and continues to volunteer weekly in the Creative Services office.

"Leao may have retired from his official work at the university, but he never tired of helping promote his alma mater and befriending people on her behalf," said Ron Hadfield, assistant vice president for university communication and director of Creative Services. "He had a ringside seat to life on the Hill, whether from his front porch next to the WACU Museum on Campus Court, or in the crowd at athletics contests or in our office on Tuesday mornings as a volunteer."

McDaniel preached for 39 years at churches across Texas, including Knott, Viemour, Carbon, Flatwood, Huckaby, Shields, Cisco, Strawn and Big Spring.

"Leao loved ACU people, especially students, and had a remarkable ability to remember something about nearly every person he met," Hadfield said. "We will miss his encouraging words and helpful spirit. Leao may have been small in stature but he had the biggest heart of anyone I know."

Among survivors are his wife, Lowis Ellene McDaniel; three children, Sharon (McDaniel) Fox of Abilene, Larry McDaniel of Sacramento, Calif., and Gilbert Leon McDaniel of Kingman, Kan.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, 2-4 p.m. at Peirsall-Benton Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut, in Abilene. The funeral service will be held Monday, June 16 at 10 a.m. at University Church of Christ in Abilene. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Hendrick Hospice Unit or to the athletics program at ACU.

If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.