Johnny's life began on April 20, 1953 in Anthony, Kansas.  He was the only son of Don and Wilma (Freeman) McDaniel and was raised alongside his sister DeeAnn, northeast of Attica, Kansas.  He attended much of his elementary school at Silver Creek, a one-room country school.  Johnny was a 1972 graduate of Attica High School, where he was known for his love of fast cars and loud motorcycles, as well as his grit and fearlessness on the football field.  In his adult years, Johnny became better known for his admirable work ethic, relentless devotion to family, and unceasing willingness to offer a helping hand.

On November 9, 1973 he was united in marriage with his loving wife, Tammy (Barker) McDaniel.  The hometown sweethearts raised three children: Heidi, Misty, and Tye.  His early work life was spent on the family farm and in the oil field alongside many of his family members.  In 1989, Johnny and Tammy moved to Hutchinson, Kansas, where he began his 25-year career in the chemical processing industry.

After retirement, Johnny worked part time for the City of Attica, where he took great pride in beautifying and maintaining his beloved hometown, especially during the annual rodeo week.  However, his favorite role was that of "Papa" to his seven grandsons: Alec, Lawson, Masen, Briggam, Brock, Brycen, and Cade and one granddaughter, Libby Ann.  Johnny loved Harleys, coyote hunting, Colorado in the summer, demolition derbies, and classic cars.  But more than anything, he loved his family.  A larger-than-life hero to each of them, Papa Johnny spent his free time tinkering with his grandchildren's vehicles, motorcycles, and go-carts and driving long distances to cheer them on at sporting events (and quite possibly brag the next morning at the coffee shop).

Johnny's extensive small-cell lung cancer diagnosis in May of 2020 was met with his characteristic fearless attitude.  The last nine months involved long days of doctors' appointments, chemotherapy, and radiation.  Yet Johnny remained grateful and humbled by the blessings he had received in his 67 years, and said he was more than ready to meet his Lord and Savior when his name was called.

Johnny passed away at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center on February 8, 2021.  He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Connie.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Tammy; his children: Heidi Schultz (Jamie) and Misty McCurdy (Jeremie) of Hutchinson, and Tye McDaniel (Megan) of Attica; eight grandchildren; sister, DeeAnn Burkholder (Bill) of Miami, Texas; and his in-laws, Dennis and Judy Barker of Attica.

A celebration of Johnny's life will take place at 2:30 p.m. Friday, February 12, 2021 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper, Kansas.  Family will be present at 1:30 p.m. before the service to receive friends.  With current guidelines, please wear protective face covering if able to do so.  Seating capacity at this time is less than 200.  Shortly after the service, the video of the service will be uploaded to this page and will appear below this obituary.

A private family graveside will follow at the Attica Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for and can be made to the Attica High School Athletic Department.  Those can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St. ~ Harper, Kansas  67058