Bryan Keith McDaniel, 59, of Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood, passed away peacefully on July 13.
Born on Dec. 21, 1966, in Pasadena, Texas, Bryan graduated from Deer Park High School and lived in Pasadena, Austin and Beaumont. After graduation, he began a long career in retail sales at Sound Warehouse, Hastings Records, Bath & Body Works and Dillard’s.
In 1997, he moved to Chicago, where he worked at Saks Fifth Avenue in cosmetics until 2000. He then went to study art history at Columbia College, which led to finding his favorite job at the Chicago History Museum in Rights and Reproductions; his work there included processing the Harry Weese photograph collection.
After nine years, he was laid off in a round of budgetary cuts. In 2010, Bryan began selling his artwork online, which included his own online store, “The Hand and I.” From 2015-2019, Bryan worked at The Home Depot in millwork.
It was while ordering a drink at Big Chicks bar in 1998 that Bryan’s Swatch watch caught the attention of another Brian (this one with an “i”), the man he would eventually marry. Brian was especially impressed that Bryan knew all the words to “Sex Dwarf” by Soft Cell.
One fortuitous month later, the two ran into each other at a Christmas party. They enjoyed a night on the town, and although they did indeed end up back at Brian’s place, they agreed to take it slowly. Bryan again surprised Brian by knowing the lyrics to “Dazzle” by Siouxsie And The Banshees. The second test was the approval of Brian’s beloved cat Mitch. They spent the next day watching Charlie’s Angels reruns on VHS and started calling each other “Bree” in honor of Sabrina Duncan.
Brian felt comfortable enough with Bryan to bring him to both his family’s Christmas gathering, and his work party at Fado’s. Bryan loved winter and snow, and even opened Brian’s eyes to the wonders of the season. After two years of dating, they moved into their Andersonville apartment and eventually bought their 1927 Chicago bungalow in Jefferson Park in 2006.
The couple enjoyed long walks in Rosehill Cemetery, gardening at home, cooking and hosting family Easter brunches. In 2016, Bryan and Brian married at City Hall, followed by a wedding party at their home. A pink flamingo adorned their wedding cake. They honeymooned in Texas for two days in Houston, followed by a longer visit with Bryan’s mother.
Bryan was an artist, working primarily in collage, painting, drawing and lino cut. He loved music and some of his many favorites were Dolly Parton, The B-52’s, Devo, Liza Minnelli, Donna Summer, Pet Shop Boys, Joni Mitchell and Madonna.
An aficionado of classic country music, jazz, new wave, and high camp, Bryan’s tastes paired well with Brian’s vintage Barbie doll and camp movie collections. Two years ago, the couple managed to catch the “John Waters: Pope of Trash” exhibit at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, which they referred to as their second honeymoon. While there, they attended a Buzzr TV Game Show fan event, where they spun the actual “The Price Is Right” wheel and met many stars from the ’70’s and ’80’s. He was most excited by the “Land of the Lost” cast and Jim J. Bullock.
Bryan left a strong impression on others. People warmed up to him. He had a great sense of humor and was kind, authentic, affectionate, cuddly and compassionate. Bryan was also very generous with his time, sitting with Jim Andrews during Brian’s dear friend Dean Vance’s heart surgery and visiting his sister Alisa’s dear friend Catherine’s daughter after a stroke.
Beloved partner and husband of 27 years to Brian Thull. Adoring son of Martha McDaniel (nee Johnson) and the late Billy McDaniel, loving brother “Bubba” of Alisa Cunningham (nee McDaniel) and dear uncle of Austin Cunningham.
Brother-in-law of Scott (Nicole “Neko”) Thull and his daughter Alicia, and Kevin (partner Andrea Soper) Thull and his children Zach and Bella, to whom he was known simply as “Tex”.
Preceded in death by dear in-laws Catherine “Cathie” Thull and Richard “Dick” Thull.
Celebration of life services in Chicago and Houston are being planned and dates will be forthcoming.
Memorial donations may be made in Bryan’s name to Howard Brown Health.
Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305.