Charles "Drew" Andrew McDaniel III, 48, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on September 25, 2025. He was born on April 30, 1977, in Amarillo, where he lived his entire life.

A Love That Lasted

Drew and his loving wife Andrea met in 1993 and quickly became inseparable. Best friends and soulmates, they shared more than three decades together, making countless memories. Their bond only deepened as the years went on, built on loyalty, laughter, and faith.

Work and Music

Drew's first job was working for his dad at North Plains Roofing, where he gained his strong work ethic—though he quickly realized roofing wasn't the career for him. From there, he went on to work at the Disney Store, where his lifelong love for Disney came full circle, at Amarillo National Bank, and in landscaping. His final role was as a machinist, where his intelligence and meticulous nature shone. Close to 10 years ago, Drew had to step away from work to focus on his health, but the dedication he showed in his career reflected the same determination he carried through life.

Music was at the heart of who Drew was. He was Nirvana's biggest fan and proudly collected their memorabilia, but his love for music reached far beyond that—spanning Michael Jackson, Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, The Beatles, and many more. He and Andrea also shared a love of old jazz. Music was one of the threads that tied his life and memories together.

Before and After Illness

Those who knew Drew before his illness remember his energy, humor, and hardworking spirit. He was goofy, quirky, and full of patience and kindness, with a forgiving heart that made him easy to love.

As his health changed, so did the rhythms of his life, but Drew never stopped being himself. His sweet tooth grew stronger, his childlike self showed a little more, and he found joy in life's simple comforts. To those truly close to him in the past few years, he was rarely seen without his favorite hospital socks with the grips on the bottom and his trusty beanie—even in the summer, because he always said he was cold. He loved a good hot coffee, hot chocolate, a cigarette, and a sweet tea—often asking Camille to bring him one.

As his health declined, Andrea became his devoted caretaker, walking beside him through the hardest years with strength and love. Andrea and his children cherished him deeply, in both the sweet moments and the difficult times of his illness.

Faith and Legacy

Most of all, Drew was a follower of Christ. His faith, paired with his gentle and forgiving nature, shaped the way he treated others. Though it feels like he left this world with so many things left unfinished, his family takes comfort in knowing his pain is over and he is finally at peace. He will be remembered for his humor, his passions, and the way he loved his family with his whole heart.

One of Drew's greatest joys in life was becoming "Papa" to his granddaughter, Eleanor. The excitement and pride he felt in that role was unmatched, and the bond they shared brought him light and happiness even through difficult days. He lovingly called her his "little monkey," even though she always insisted she was a princess—a memory that will forever bring smiles to his family.

Drew is survived by his wife, Andrea; his children, Nicholas McDaniel and Camille, and her spouse Halston Shipman; and his granddaughter, Eleanor Shipman. He is also survived by his siblings, Tim McDaniel, Kyle McDaniel, and Sherah and her spouse Justin Hansen; his mother-in-law, Linda Huddleston; his aunt, Marylin Johnson; his cousin, Kimberly Barney; and many loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles (Steve) McDaniel and Kenda Ann McDaniel.

Special Thanks

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to his hospice nurse, Destiny Lewis with AccentCare, for the compassion, kindness, and care she provided during Drew's final week on earth.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Funeral services will be Posted by family at a later time.