The Three Rivers Endowment Trust recently established the Charles T. McDaniel II Business Scholarship, established by Dr. Charlotte McDaniel, for a full-time student majoring in Business.
The Charles T. McDaniel II Business Scholarship was established as a birthday gift by Charlotte McDaniel, the daughter of Charles T. McDaniel, and further contributions later endowed the scholarship as a lasting tribute to Charles T. McDaniel’s impact on the Poplar Bluff community.
Mr. McDaniel was born and raised in Poplar Bluff and graduated from both Poplar Bluff High School and the University of Missouri-Columbia. While at Mizzou, he served as the president of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity and often returned for football games with friends.
Work was scarce when he graduated from college during the Great Depression. McDaniel and several fraternity brothers found work on an international steamer, an experience McDaniel talked about into his later years.
He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a salesman for the Shapleigh Hardware Company in St. Louis, where he worked for 22 years and earned the Shapleigh’s Outstanding Sales Award numerous times. After the business was sold, McDaniel accepted a position with Belknap Hardware and worked there until he retired in 1974.
Locally, he was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, with lengthy service as Treasurer and Ruling Elder, and served as a Board Member of Mercantile Bank from 1968 to 1974.
McDaniel enjoyed outings with his wife and three children, and was an active sportsman with “local buddies.” He was known to be hardworking, kind, and family-oriented with a quick sense of humor. He was endeared by many.
Three Rivers students receive more than $14 million in financial aid each year, and all students are automatically considered for more than 280 scholarships by completing the application for admission and submitting their FAFSA. For more information, trcc.edu/pay-for-college/financial-aid/.
The Three Rivers Endowment Trust is a 501(c)(3) organization that receives and manages donations on behalf of Three Rivers College. For information on creating or donating to scholarships, building projects, or other college needs, contact the Development Office at 573-840-9077.
