08/24/2026
Lester McDaniel Sr., age 71, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026 at his home. He was born on December 7, 1954, in Joaquin, Texas to the late Willie H. McDaniel and Elv Morris. He was the sixth of ten children.
Graveside service is at 11am on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Mount Zion Cemetery, State Hwy 5, Logansport, LA.
Lester graduated from Joaquin High School in 1974, where he was an outstanding basketball player and a member of future Farmers of America (FFA). He attended Panola Junior College before continuing his education at Stephen F. Augustine State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
In 1977. Lester married Deborah Lynn Rhodes McDaniel. Two children were born to their union: Lester Earl McDaniel Jr. and Latitia Renee McDaniel. In 2004, he married Cassandra Griffin McDaniel and welcomed two bonus children, Robert Jamal Griffin and Jasmine Slack, into his family.
Lester devoted much of his life to educating, counseling, and uplifting others. He began his teaching and coaching career at C. H. Daniels School in Center, Texas. Loved and respected by his students, colleagues, and faculty. He became affectionately known to many as "Coach McDaniel."
His desire to serve others led him to work as a counselor with Burke Center Mental Health Services and later as a social worker at Cognitive Institute.
Lester eventually returned to the profession that brought him great passion and fulfillment, education - serving students in DeSoto and in the Red River and Caddo Parish School Systems. Lester will be remembered as a dedicated educator, respected coach, compassionate counselor and devoted family man. His influence extended far beyond the classroom and athletic court touching generations of students, coworkers, friends, and loved ones. He especially cherished his grandchildren, who brought tremendous joy to his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie H. McDaniel and Elv Marris McDaniel; his first wife, Deborah Lynn Rhodes McDaniel; his wife, Cassandra Griffin McDaniel; and six siblings, Lonnie D. McDaniel, Willie V. Jackson, Ida Ruth McDaniel Lee, Esther R McDaniel, and Doris M. Mc Daniel.
He leaves to cherish his memory:
Children:
Lester Earl McDaniel Jr.
Latitia Renee McDaniel
Bonus children:
Robert Jamal Griffin of Las Vegas, Nevada
Jasmine Slack of Carthage, Texas
Siblings:
James Earl McDaniel Sr. (Barbara) of Carthage, Texas
Sandra McDaniel of Shelbyville, Texas
Belinda McDaniel of Joaquin, Texas
Beloved grandchildren
A host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, former students, colleagues, and friends.
The life and legacy of Lester McDaniel Sr. "Coach McDaniel" will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, Texas.
