Jesse McDaniel, age 96, of Melbourne, Arkansas went home with Jesus Friday, June 26, 2026. Born October 23,1929 in Long Creek Township, Searcy County, Arkansas, the sixth of eight children of William and Ethel Chadwick McDaniel.

Jesse is survived by Geneva Emerson McDaniel his wife for eight precious years, one son Keith McDaniel, son-in-law Robert Pennington; brother-in-law Boyce (Lavonne) Stroud, two sister-in-laws Bonnie and Reena McDaniel; two stepsons Keith (Linda) Sharp and Stephen (Diane) Emerson; five stepdaughters Idona Bailey, Laura Hicks, Katherine Jackson (Rob) Smouse, Eva Shipley, Sarah (Chris) Stein; many nephews and nieces, cousins and friends, all dear and special to him.

He was preceded in death by Cowene Stroud Sharp McDaniel his wife of forty happy years, an infant son, a daughter Sue Pennington, three brothers, four sisters, and many extended family members.

Jesse made public God's call to preach the gospel June 1965 at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Mountain Home, Arkansas and was ordained August 2, 1967. He pastored several churches in this area and performed many weddings and funerals. Every opportunity to preach revivals and fill pulpits was undertaken. He never quit preaching, even if it was only one-on-one. He helped conduct services with Lynn Westmoreland at the Cave City nursing home until his mid 90s, stopping only due to illness.

Jesse was a hard worker and enjoyed work. During his ministry, he worked in farm, timber, and cattle ranching industries, marveling at the unexpected ways God presented him opportunities to provide for his family. His vocation and highest honor was his calling. God gave him a passion for winning the souls of family and home folks, teaching them God's word and urging them to serve the Lord as living witnesses. He held true to God's word neither omitting nor modifying any of it to please people. Although following God's call cost everything dear to him in this world, still he answered. A true disciple who put His Savior above himself has found his lost life. Luke 14:26,27,33. Matthew 10:37—39.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jesse's home church, Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, 3316 Wideman Road, Wideman, Arkansas, Pleasant Valley/Providence Cemetery Fund, Peter Martin Hill Rd, Sharp Co AR, or Missionary Baptist Seminary, Hwy 5 North, Alexander AR

Visitation and funeral service will be at Eddie's Funeral Home in Melbourne. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m.   Funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Mike Haney and Brother Stephen Emerson officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley/Providence Cemetery Peter Martin Hill Rd, Sharp Co. AR. Family, friends, and men of Pleasant Ridge will serve as pallbearers.

II Timothy 4:7,8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing.