Constance "Connie" Sue (Byrd) McDaniel

Constance “Connie” Sue McDaniel of Huntington, Indiana, quietly clocked out for her final Union Break on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Connie was born July 19, 1948, to the late Rex H. and DeVonna M. (Rupley) Byrd in Huntington, IN. Connie graduated from Huntington High School in 1966 and married Bruce McDaniel, in 1968. Together, they raised three children, countless laughs, and a few eyebrows.

Over the years, Connie held several jobs: telephone operator, Kmart Distribution worker, and later, paper route extraordinaire for the Huntington Tab. That paper route became her excuse to keep up with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and possibly to scope out who had the best neighborhood gossip.

Connie had a dry sense of humor, a sharp wit, and a deep appreciation for the finer things in life, like a frosty, McDonald’s Diet Coke, a cheeseburger, and a well-earned break. She was once caught watching Sweatin’ to the Oldies while enjoying ice cream from the comfort of her couch, which perfectly sums up her approach to exercise and life: do it your way.

Her daily “Tour” of Huntington was legendary — a sacred ritual involving drives past the homes of friends, family, and anyone who might be involved in the latest scandal. Companions were lured into her car (likely with the panic alarm blaring) with the promise of conversation, laughter, and McDonald’s. 

Connie wasn’t initially fond of being asked, “Connie Sue, how are you?” but because we are ladies, she eventually embraced it; even signing greeting cards, “Love, GCS.” Still, she never surrendered in the ongoing Thank You Wars. So now, it’s our turn to win: Thank YOU for being born, GCS.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her ex-husband and later friend Bruce McDaniel, and Mark’s red shorts.

She is survived by her brother Bill (Carol) Byrd of Huntington, IN; children, Mark McDaniel of Huntington, IN; Mollie (Tom) McDaniel Mowery of Fort Wayne, IN; and Andrew (Julie) McDaniel of Ligonier, IN; a parliament of grandchildren; a gaggle of great grandchildren; and many friends.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 4:00 p.m.at McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, Indiana, with Rev. Chris Lantz officiating.

A private burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities in care of McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN 46750.

McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN, is entrusted with the arrangements.  Online condolences may be sent to: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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