Robert L. "Bob" McDaniel

Robert L. “Bob” McDaniel, 77, of Princeton, IN went to his forever heavenly home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh.

Bob was born in Princeton, IN on June 5, 1943 to Graydon and Mary Jo (Sturgeon) McDaniel. During his early years, Bob spent countless hours at his grandparent’s farm near Oakland City, IN. From these visits, Bob developed a great love for the out-of-doors and livestock, helping his grandparents with all aspects of farm life. Bob especially enjoyed showing horses. Being an active 4-H member for ten years, Bob was a charter member of the Gibson County 4-H Horse and Pony Club. Bob raised and showed Quarter Horses for many years.

Bob was a lifelong educator in the area. His interest in teaching began when he was a senior at Princeton Community High School. Through encouragement from his senior year math teacher, Betty Ann (Binhack) McCullough, Bob started help sessions in Math 3 days a week before school, with each student attending paying $.25 per session.

Following graduation from PCHS in 1961, Bob graduated from Evansville College (now University of Evansville) in 1965. His first teaching assignment began in the fall of 1965 at Oakland City, IN. After teaching there for 2 years, Bob moved to Princeton, accepting a math teaching position in the high school. (fall of 1967)

In late 1972, Bob met the love of his life, the former Vicki Saladin. Both were teaching at the high school and were co-sponsors of the National Honor Society. Following a 4 month courtship and a 4 week engagement, they were quietly married during spring break on April 14, 1973.

Now known as Mr. and Mrs. McDaniel, they became the first married couple in the North Gibson School Corporation to teach in the same building. Bob continued teaching math and drivers-education at Princeton until retiring in 1998.

Besides his interest in horses, Bob has raised sheep and cattle. Originally, Bob raised Limousin cattle, but most recently raised Angus. Bob always kept a flock of laying hens from which countless dozens of brown eggs were enjoyed by customers, friends and family. Bob always had a garden and gave vegetables to anyone who could use them.

Over his lifetime, Bob attended 3 churches in Princeton: The United Presbyterian, The First General Baptist, and most recently Bethel Memorial. Bob organized many church outings to Amish country for meals and shopping.

Bob is survived by his wife of 47 years, Victoria “Vicki” McDaniel.  Also surviving are a daughter, Alice (Matt) Hopper of Danville; and a son, Ty (Amanda) McDaniel of Sheridan, IN. Other survivors include grandchildren, Ben McDaniel, Jack McDaniel, Ryan Hopper and Sarah Hopper; and 2 nephews, David Craddock and Jay Craddock both of Texas.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Sue Ann Craddock.

There will be no visitation or service at this time. The Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton has been entrusted with the arrangements. There will be a public Celebration of Life service held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, friends may make a contribution to the Bethel Memorial Church, 1520 S. Main St., Princeton, IN 47670. You may leave a message of sympathy or light a candle in memory of Bob at www.colvinfuneralhome.com. The Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the McDaniel family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert L. "Bob" McDaniel, please visit our floral store.