Jon McDaniel

Jonathan (Jon) McDaniel, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend to all, passed away on February 2, 2024, at his home in St. Louis, MO, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. He was born on January 19, 1981, in St. Louis, MO, to David and Ronna McDaniel.

Jon is survived by his loving wife, Emily McDaniel, and their two sons, Lucas (8) and Bowen (5). He is also survived by his parents, David and Ronna McDaniel, and his sister, Cathy Stull, and her husband Derek Stull. Jon will be fondly remembered by his sister-in-law, Megan Catanzaro, and her husband Buddy Catanzaro, along with his nephews and nieces, Kannon and Brody Stull and Katalina and Anniston Catanzaro. Additionally, he is survived by his in-laws, Terry and Beryl Cohen. Not to be left out, he adored his dog, Mollie, who brought him immense joy and companionship.

Jon graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Integrated Marketing Communications. He found joy and fulfillment in his career as a Technical Sales Consultant of Engineered Equipment at Dynamic Bulk Systems.

The most important calling in Jon’s life was being a father to Lucas and Bowen and a husband to Emily. Every day, he infused their lives with boundless joy through cozy morning snuggles on the couch, impromptu car parties en route to grabbing donuts, and memorable trips to the hardware store for supplies to tackle home projects together.

He was known as a jokester among friends and family. He rarely met someone he could not make a connection with, hence the enormous circle of love and friends that always surrounded him. The only exception to that may be a Customer Service Representative or two at Charter Communications or Spectrum. His ability to negotiate a deal professionally and personally was impressive. He was relentless yet hilarious, and more often than not got his way. In hindsight, maybe he didn’t get his way, but he ended up making a new friend who helped him out and lowered his rates.

Jon had a quirky love for trips to the gas station during which he would often leave with a five-course meal. In addition to his affinity for culinary delights from a gas station, he was also known as the Sauce Boss. There was rarely a morsel of food that could not be enhanced with the right sauce (or seasoning) to accompany it, most often trending to the hot sauce variety, but he didn’t discriminate.

Jon also possessed a remarkable knack for woodworking and enjoyed spending time in nature through fishing, camping, hiking, canoeing, and skiing. He was known as a master of memes, delighting those around him with his keen sense of humor and quick wit. He could turn a picture of anyone into Snoop Dogg’s wingman in a matter of minutes.

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, February 25, 2024.

A private service for family and close friends will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by an open period from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for paying respects. Children by invitation only.

The Hall at Olive + Oak
216 W Lockwood Ave
Webster Groves, MO 63119

We are accepting donations to erect a bench in Jon’s memory at Forest Park. Those donations can be given directly to Megan Catanzaro via Venmo or a mailed check. Any additional proceeds will be applied to the two charities below.

Megan Venmo: @mcatanzaro
Megan Address: 12236 Winrock Dr, St. Louis, MO 63141

In lieu of flowers, donations can also be made to the Cancer Support Community Greater St. Louis or Annie’s Hope.

Jon will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on forever in the hearts of those he touched.

Ecclesiastes 8:15: So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.