Joseph L. McDaniel, 53, of Hartford City, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Hartford City. He was born in Marion, Indiana, on July 9, 1972, to Joseph L. McDaniel and Elizabeth (Gerber) Hestla.
Joseph attended Crescent City High School and worked at Precision Vehicle Solutions. He was a proud member of Teamsters Union 414 in Fort Wayne. He also spent time as a crab‑boat fisherman on the St. John River. Joseph enjoyed golfing at Oaks Golf Course, cooking-especially crab and crawfish boils, and spending time with family and friends. Above all, his daughter was his entire world.
Joseph is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Hestla of Pomona Park; daughter, Tipton McDaniel; sisters, Jolynne Atkinson of Fairmount, Carole Cain of Gas City, and Liz Williams of Jacksonville, FL; nephews, Jeremy Hutcheson, Jason Hutcheson, and Gabe Atkinson; nieces, Amanda Soden, Jayme Miller, Jennifer Swanner, and Erin Martin; and many special friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph L. McDaniel.
The family will host a Celebration of Life service in Grant County at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham‑Storey‑Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E Main St. Gas City, IN 46933.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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