Larry Joe McDaniel

Larry Joe McDaniel, 75, of Greeley, passed away of pancreatic cancer peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 25, 2021. He was born September 12, 1945 in Greeley to Lawrence Sylvester and Thelma Louise (Hunt) McDaniel.

Larry was raised in Greeley, attending Greeley schools and graduating from College High School in 1963. After graduation, he entered the US Army earning the rank of Sergeant Specialist 5th Class. He was honorably discharged on May 5, 1966, receiving his Expert M-14 Rifle badge, Good Conduct Medal and 1st Award. Larry came back to Greeley after his discharge.

On December 8, 1968, he married Mary Lou Pozega at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

Larry holds the highest life membership of Benefactor member of the NRA, where he was also an Instructor for pistol shooting. He was the President and Treasurer of the National Bench Rest Shooters Association of the High Plains Shooting Range in Galeton and the President of the American Legion Greeley Chapter. He was also a member of the Greeley/Evans Moose Lodge, the Independent Order of Foresters and a 47 year member of The Forty and Eight, an invitation only honor society. As a young man, he was a Boy Scout. Larry helped build the LDS church on 23rd Avenue in Greeley and was instrumental in building the rifle range at the Greeley Rec Center.

Larry was an avid marksman and hunter. He bagged deer, antelope, elk, black bear, Rocky Mountain big horn sheep, geese, ducks, and pheasants. He loved fishing as a young man and taught all of his family how to fish and hunt. Larry collected Wile E. Coyote memorabilia as his nickname was “Coyote Joe”.

Larry was a “30 gallon plus” donor at North Colorado Medical Center Blood Donation Center. He worked at various jobs, including Pepsi, Komack Paints, Everitt Lumber and Dairy Specialists.

Larry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Lou McDaniel of Greeley; two daughters, Lea Crittenden (Brad) and Laura McDaniel both of Greeley; sister, Lareta Sue Clark of Columbus, Montana; two brothers, Thomas McDaniel of Absorkee, Montana and Charles McDaniel of Greeley; five granddaughters; one grandson and two great-grandsons.

Larry was well known for passing out candy canes all through the year, so if you see a candy cane, please remember Larry.

A Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2021 at Stoddard Funeral Home. Inurnment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.