Melba Jean McDaniel

Melba Jean McDaniel, 87, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Tulsa. She was born on October 9, 1938, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Willard and Jewel (McClure) Moss. After graduating high school, Melba pursued higher education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, earning a master’s degree in education. She dedicated over 29 years to teaching in Muskogee Public Schools, working at Harris Jobe, Franklin Elementary, Cherokee Elementary, and St. Joseph Catholic Schools. Following her retirement from public education, Melba embarked on a second career as a bank teller at Fort Gibson State Bank, where she worked for 20 years. On May 16, 1958, Melba married the love of her life, Marian "Mac" McDaniel, in Tahlequah. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and partnership, lasting over 62 years until Mac’s passing in January 2021. Melba was a devoted member of Crescent Valley Baptist Church and an active participant in The Order of the Eastern Star. She found joy in cross-stitching and blanket making and had a passion for watching car races, shopping, and exploring yard sales. Melba’s life was one of dedication—to her family, her students, and her community. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her. Melba is now reunited with her husband, Mac McDaniel; her parents, Willard and Jewel Moss; sisters, Belle Moss, Mae Hutchinson, and Trudy Bennett-Day; and her brother, Willard Moss, Jr. Those left to cherish Melba’s memory are her son, Mark McDaniel of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; daughter, Melissa Johnson and husband James of Vian, Oklahoma; granddaughters, Chelbi McDaniel of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, Danielle Hutson and husband, TJ of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Jai Rute and husband, Ryan of Coweta, Oklahoma; grandson, Hunter McDaniel of Muskogee, Oklahoma; great-granddaughters, Kadence McFarland of Vian, Oklahoma and McKinley Hutson of Muskogee, Oklahoma; great-grandson, Jayden Rute of Coweta, Oklahoma; many in laws; nieces; nephews; cousins; and many friends. Visitation with family receiving friends will be 5PM-7PM, Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. Melba’s life will be celebrated 2:30PM, Friday, May 29, 2026, at Crescent Valley Baptist Church in Fort Gibson with Reverend Billy Parker officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Holland Cemetery with Marty Moss, Bobby Howard, Kevin Wright, Mike Bennett, Ricky Moss, Hunter McDaniel, Ryan Route, and TJ Hutson serving as casket bearers. Russell Thouvenel and Jim Hunzeker will serve as honorary casket bearers. The family of Melba Jean McDaniel has entrusted her care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com.

Melba Jean McDaniel

October 9, 1938 - May 23, 2026