Kenneth Jay McDaniel, age 48, of Carbon, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at a Fort Worth hospital.

Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2009, at the First Baptist Church in Carbon with Mike Haggard and Ken Smith officiating.  Burial was at Long Branch Cemetery.

Kenneth was born July 11, 1960, in Gorman to J. L. and Mary McDaniel.  He graduated from Carbon High School, Cisco Junior College and Tarleton State University.  He married Jan Whatley on October 1, 1988, in Athens, Texas.  He and his wife, Jan, owned and operated Furniture Depot in Dublin, Texas.  He was a member of the Church of Christ and attended First Baptist Church in Carbon.

Survivors include his wife, Jan McDaniel, of Carbon; one brother, J. C. McDaniel of Carbon; two sisters, Betty Joyner and husband, Mike, of Austin, and Jenette Pierce and husband, Ronnie, of Aledo; nephews:  Jeremy Joyner, Travis Joyner and wife, Shellie; Elizabeth and Noah of Austin; Dan Webb and wife, Sarah of Cresson. Chris Webb and wife, Susan, Cassie and Carson of Waller.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lynn McDaniel and a nephew, Kelly Webb.  The nephews served as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to The Humane Society of the United States at 2100 L. Street,  NW,Washington, DC 20037 or a charity of your choice.

Hello My Friend -- by J. Guest Pepper

If you were ever greeted by this man, you heard the words, "Hello My Friend."  When he spoke these words, he may have known you for years or he may have never been introduced to you.  Kenneth McDaniel never met a stranger.  He called everyone "friend" as he looked them in the eye and they all knew that he meant it sincerely.

"Hello My Friend."  This phrase had many meanings.  It was his way of saying, "I have time for you.  You matter to me.  I care about what is going on in your life."  In a world where people can be so rushed, it was wonderful to be in Kenneth's world for a time even if only for a few minutes.  In these minutes he had a way of making you feel better.  He had a way of building people up.  He had a way of passing along a peaceful spirit, giving you a gift.

I believe this gift could be called brotherly love.  I believe this gift should be remembered and passed along.  His spiritual message to the world was, "Hello My Friend."  I have a feeling that when Kenneth entered heaven's gate, he heard Jesus say to him, "Hello My Friend, Welcom Home."