Kenneth Herschel McDaniel, age 89

Kenneth Herschel McDaniel, age 89, of Forest City, passed away Friday, August 18, 2017.

He was born June 13, 1928 in Lake Lure, to the late Gordon and Jesse Flynn McDaniel. Ken was a member of the First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton. Ken believed in serving his community and enjoyed memberships in many service organizations. He was most proud of his work as a recent board member of the Rutherford Electric Membership Corp. He was also a volunteer with the Guardian Ad Litem program, the Lions Club International and a volunteer fireman for the Bills Creek Fire Department. Ken had a varied and interesting life. He was a driver for McLean and Colonial trucking companies and Christian Tours, owner of a Western Auto store and mobile home park and served as Magistrate of the 25th Judicial District of NC. He may have been best known for his love of music, singing in church choirs and with the Rutherford County Chorus. He especially loved singing bass with the The Hickory Nuts, a barbershop quartet, and was a charter member and past president of the Carolina Moonlighters, a chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America. Ken was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Virginia Parker McDaniel, one son Nathan Andrew McDaniel, one brother Donald McDaniel and one sister Martha McDaniel Royster. He is survived by: two daughters: Janet Byerly and husband Mark of Kernersville, NC. Jewell Parker of Saginaw, MI. One son: Ken McDaniel and wife Rita of Gastonia. Two brothers: Hal McDaniel and wife Kay of Franklin, OH Felix McDaniel and wife Jan of Henderson, NC. Seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was held at First United Methodist Church, Rutherfordton with Keith Marion, Frank Beddell and Rev. Tim Marsh officiating. Interment was held at Bill's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Lake Lure. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Nathan A. McDaniel Endowment Fund c/o Columbia International University at 7435 Monticello Rd. Columbia, SC 29230-3122.

McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of the arrangements.