Wilbur McDaniel

Wilbur Lee McDaniel

Born September 26, 1939 in Clovis, NM

Death November 24, 2023 in Albuquerque, NM

Wilbur grew up in Clovis, New Mexico. He was a very mischievous little boy to his younger brother and sister. He had a paper route throughout Clovis and would shoot his sister with rubber bands while rolling up his newspapers. When walking home from school, he would walk on the other side of the street and would walk so fast his siblings could not keep up. Every time he would walk by his siblings, he always had to be sure and punch them in the arm. However, he did mature into a true gentleman and fine young man. He graduated from Clovis High School in 1958. He loved the Clovis Wildcats! He worked very hard on farms to earn money to put himself through college. He graduated from Eastern New Mexico in 1963 with a degree in Journalism. He then joined the navy and was an officer becoming a lieutenant serving our country until 1969. He served on the USS Ranger and spent time off the coast of Vietnam and Japan. When he got home from serving he worked for the Albuquerque Tribune his entire career. He retired December 31, 1994. He loved sports and would frequently go see the Clovis Wildcats play in the state championship. He also loved college sports and would always root for the University of New Mexico Lobos! Wilbur also loved to travel. He was fortunate to travel all over Europe and Mexico.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, Secil and Lorraine McDaniel. He is survived by his brother, Gary McDaniel (Maureen); sister, Betty Ann Larson (Ed); nephews and nieces, Mike Larson (Beth), Cynthia McDermott (John), Lynnet Hawks (James), and Kenneth McDaniel (Michelle); great-nephews and nieces, Zachary McDermott (Megan), Dylan McDermott (Carly), Lauren Silva (Bruno), Luke Larson (Sheila), Maggie Norton (Joe), Logan Larson, Simon Hawks (Allison), Claire McDermott, Travis McDaniel, Bethany McDaniel, Emma Miller (Seth), and Lydia Larson; and great-great-nephews and nieces, Miles McDermott, Gracie McDermott, Ella McDermott, Max McDermott, Maris McDermott, Martin McDermott, Faye Silva, Louis McDermott, Lilah Norton, Emery Larson, Henry Hawks, and Gregory Miller.

Wilbur was so loved by all his family and friends. He will be truly missed and always remembered! Love you so much Uncle Wilbur!

A memorial service will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico in April. More details to come soon.