Patricia Diane Flood McDaniel

Patricia Diane Flood McDaniel left this earth for her heavenly home on April 4th, 2025 at the age of 80. Patty was born on April 19, 1944, to Clifford and Adelia (Farmer) Flood in Springfield, MO. She cherished her parents and her older brother, David. Patty was often found joining David in his adventures—fishing, climbing trees, and playing baseball, even learning to switch-hit from him.

Patty attended Ozark Schools, where she built lifelong friendships and enjoyed many happy memories spent with her friends at church and school. She was gifted musically and enjoyed singing, playing the piano, and playing the oboe in the school band. Patty also enjoyed volleyball and cheerleading. She graduated from Ozark High School in 1962 and attended Southwest Missouri State for a year before marrying Gary Lee McDaniel on August 18, 1963.

The couple relocated to Lebanon, MO, where Gary began his first coaching and teaching job. They started their family there before moving to Willard, MO, and later returning to Ozark in the summer of 1969, with their two boys, Keith and Kevin, and their daughter Dana on the way.

A devoted member of Ozark First Baptist Church, Patty made a profession of faith and was baptized as a child. However, it was under the Biblical teaching of Pastor Alan Harrison in her late 20s that she fully committed herself to the Lord. Patty loved serving in the church choir, singing in women’s ensembles, and nurturing children through roles in nursery, VBS, GAs, Bible Study, and, later, through nursing home ministry and the Special Ministries class at FBCO.

As a homemaker, Patty was known for her famous sugar cookies and angel food cakes. She was deeply involved in her children's lives through church activities, cub scouts, girl scouts, and 4H. She even coached Dana’s softball team for a time. As a devoted wife, she was supportive of her husband's coaching career and other athletic endeavours. Patty also dedicated herself to caring for her parents and husband in her later years.

Before having children, Patty worked at a dry cleaner on the Ozark Square and at Empire Electric. She later opened a childcare service in her home, caring for many children, especially those of Ozark teachers, whom she loved like her own. In 1982, Patty returned to work outside the home as a cashier at Ramey’s Supermarket in Ozark, and in 1984, she became the secretary/financial secretary at Ozark High School, where she worked for 22 years until her retirement in 2006.

Retirement allowed Patty to travel to visit family in Arizona, Florida, and Nevada, as well as to enjoy visits to Disney World, Cardinals baseball games, Grants Farm, and Silver Dollar City with her grandchildren. She relished spending time with her five grandchildren, supporting them in their activities, and continuing to serve at her church. Patty also enjoyed participating in Bible studies with close friends at Briar Street Baptist Church, where she found a loving second church family. In her final year, she heard the Word and worshiped with One Community Church of Rogersville every Sunday afternoon at her assisted living facility and attended weekly Bible studies at Spring House Village with other residents and staff. The residents and staff at Spring House Village became like family as they shared their daily joys and struggles and participated in daily activities and outings together. The family is so thankful for their loving care and friendships.

Patty had a servant’s heart, was full of compassion, grace and kindness. Despite enduring great pain and loss, she remained a steadfast Christian, caregiver, prayer warrior, and encourager. Through cards, letters, and visits, she lifted the spirits of others who were hurting, always putting others before herself and sharing her love of Christ with all.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her husband of nearly 60 years, infant daughter Nancy Ann, and many beloved extended family members.

She is survived by her children, Keith McDaniel of Rogersville, MO; Kevin McDaniel (Kevyn Morrow) of New York City, NY; and Dana Murfin (Chuck) of Galena, MO; her grandchildren, Chase McDaniel of Rogersville, Trey McDaniel of Rogersville, Nathan Murfin (Lauren) of Ozark, Nick Murfin (Celine) of Rockwall, TX, and Marissa Murfin of Ozark; two great-grandchildren, Daniel and Selah Murfin; brothers-in-law Jim and Dan McDaniel; sisters-in-law Betty, Judy, and Phyllis McDaniel; and numerous beloved cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Meyer Center Inpatient Rehab, St. Croix Hospice, and Amada Senior Care for their skillful, compassionate support in her last days.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 11th, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. noon under the direction of Adams Funeral Home at First Baptist Church in Ozark with Pastors Chris Thixton and Blake Hayworth officiating. Burial will follow at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens in Springfield. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Ozark First Baptist Church Special Ministries Class or Building Fund, Ozark Schools, or the Finley River Community Foundation - Ozark Alumni Fund.