Douglas Flat, CA…Richard Andre McDaniel passed away on September 28, 2023, in Sonora California. Richard Andre McDaniel was born on January 14, 1940, in a farmhouse on the Manual Ranch on Six Mile Road in Vallecito, California. He was the youngest of 7 children born to Georgia and Ople McDaniel. He grew up in the oak trees and hills of Six Mile Ranch and later Cosgrave Ranch in Angels Camp, where he milked the cow in the mornings and spent days fishing and hunting with friend Dave Cosgrave. He attended elementary school in Altaville and then Bret Harte High School where he was a member of the track and basketball teams.

After graduating from Bret Harte in 1958, Richard began work as a painting contractor, first working with his cousin and brother Roger in Novato, CA, then partnering with brother Roger in Calaveras County. When Roger moved to the valley, he made the business his own.

In 1964 he married Diane Pocoroba, and the couple moved to Murphys where they raised two daughters. Richard coached boys’ Little League baseball and girl’s Ponytail softball. He enjoyed playing cards with friends, bowling league, shooting at the Gun Club, and watching sports on TV, especially the New York Yankees, of whom he was a lifelong fan.

Richard continued painting houses in Calaveras County for over 40 years. He was a well-respected and hardworking businessman who took pride in honest work and was meticulous about doing every job right. After sending his daughters to college, Richard retired from painting and moved to Douglas Flat, where he lived for the past 22 years. He created many great memories watching his granddaughters after school and spent many summers in pursuit of growing the perfect tomato.

He was a great conversationalist, and his quick wit and intelligence would keep you on your toes, even to the very end. He loved his family more than anything and they love him.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Georgia and Ople, brothers Roger, Bill, and Robert (who died in infancy), and sisters Mildred Broglio, Thelma Cooper, and Gladys Richards.

He is survived by his daughters Chrissy Schoonover (Chris) and Karen McDaniel (Anthony Rivera), grandchildren Haley Warner, Shelby Warner, Elyse Joustra, Nicolas Rivera, and Jacob Rivera, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be private.