Charles Mark McDaniel, known to many as Mark, age 67, of Utica, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.
Born on March 2, 1958, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, to Danny and Patricia McDaniel, Mark lived a life rooted in faith, family, and community. He graduated from Utica High School in 1976 and The Ohio State University in 1980, where he earned a degree in education. He then obtained his master’s degree from Ashland University.
Mark dedicated much of his life to the community he loved, serving his hometown of Utica as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal. He also worked in the East Knox, Centerburg, Licking Valley, and Lancaster City School Districts as well as the Licking County ESC. He believed deeply in young people and helped shape generations through leadership, mentorship, and encouragement. His impact was recognized this past summer when he was inducted into the North Fork Hall of Honors.
Mark shared a devoted 44-year marriage with his wife, Marilyn. Their life together was built on love, partnership, and deep commitment. Their bond was evident to all who knew them.
He was known for his loyalty, steady presence, and quiet influence, living out his faith through service to others and by the example he set each day. Above all, he was devoted to his family; a proud father and grandfather who loved deeply and cherished time spent together.
A lifelong lover of basketball, the game brought Mark joy and connection throughout his life. Additionally, Mark was a fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed good music, reading, the beach, ice cream, and Pepsi.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marilyn (Bickel) McDaniel; his daughters, Brittany (Brandon) Bianco and Natalie (Ryan) Litton; his grandchildren, Lilah Bianco, Rhett Litton, and Collins Litton; his sister, Michele (Dick) Kruse; brother-in-law, Jim (Kathy) Bickel; sister-in-law, Barb (Jim) Harris, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Danny and Patricia McDaniel and his granddaughter, Harper Bianco.
His family would like to thank the Central Ohio Urology Group and Gentiva Hospice for their care and compassion.
The family will receive friends from 2-6pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Brucker-Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St., Newark.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Utica High School gymnasium with Rev. Ric Harvel officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Mark McDaniel Memorial Scholarship for Future Educators at Park National Bank.
Mark will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Home: Brucker-Kishler
Website: www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com