Verle Alonzo McDaniel, Jr., age 77, passed away on Sept 26, 2019 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on April 11, 1942 in Jamestown, ND to Verle and Mary (Dindwoodie) McDaniel. He touched many lives and left the world a better place than he found it.
Verle attended school in Jamestown. He began to learn to play the clarinet in the 8th grade and later took up saxophone, a musical journey that would last the rest of his life. He attended Jamestown High School before joining the US Air Force in 1959 where he completed his General Education Degree.
Verle served in the US Air Force from 1959 to 1964. He served in Special Forces during the Vietnam Conflict, an experience which affected him deeply. The brotherhood and kinship he felt with fellow veterans was one of the hallmarks of his life.
Upon returning from the Vietnam War, Verle attended Jamestown College where he earned a Bachelor of the Arts in Music Education. He taught in the public school systems in both North and South Dakota. When not teaching, Verle was a professional musician who widely toured the US and Canada. Saxophone was his greatest love. He also played keyboards, guitar, and would frequently program his own music for performances. In his later years, Verle maintained a private studio in Jamestown where he taught music lessons.
Verle was a charismatic advocate of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was very active in AA, serving as a sponsor, role model, and leader, helping others to improve their lives. The friendships he cultivated in AA were among his strongest affiliations in life.
Verle is survived by his wife, Ginger (Holm) McDaniel (Jamestown ND); older brother Gary McDaniel (Bismarck ND); five children Scott McDaniel (Scottsdale AZ), Robyn Holm (Atlanta GA), Brooke Bauman (Spokane WA), John McDaniel (Mitchell SD), Dennis McDaniel (Mitchell SD); six grandchildren Isaac McDaniel, Elijah McDaniel, Stephen Fettig, Austin Bauman, Alissa Bauman, Jordan McDaniel, and Jackson McDaniel; and his many beloved cats. He is preceded in death by his father, Verle Sr, mother, Mary, and two infant brothers.
Graveside Service: North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND, at a later date.