Scott McCool

Scott McCool passed away on May 13, 2026.

He was born to Rex McCool and Patricia Scanlon in Newport Beach, California, on June 13, 1960. Scott, the oldest of three brothers, was always generous, kind, and caring for his given family and those he embraced as family.

He attended the University of Arkansas and worked at First Brands (a Clorox company), where he met Pamela McDaniel. They married on December 30, 1993, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and had three daughters: Megan, Molly, and Abigail.

He was a man who saw the inner potential in people. He thought that his wife not only had the ability to attend medical school but should also become a physician so that she could help others. He then put his family first and willingly became a stay-at-home dad—when it wasn’t common. Although Daddy Daycare included more watching of SpongeBob than reading of books, somehow his method proved effective. He was the best Girl Dad.

Scott also became an outstanding cook. There wasn’t a kitchen gadget he couldn’t resist buying. Pam would often come home to yet another item that would improve meal preparation. He fed his family and loved ones well. The McCool family and friends will miss his tacos, cinnamon rolls, scrambled eggs, Scott McMuffins, and homemade bread.

His favorite pastimes included baseball and horse racing. He was very proud to be a 0.55% owner of the 2024 Pat Day Mile and Preakness winner, Seize the Grey. Scott loved horses and bonded with his best friend, John Reed, over playing the ponies. They have countless tales from Oaklawn and always bet their lucky 2-4-5 trifecta.

He was also an avid music fan with his favorite band being Pearl Jam. A fan from the beginning, he saw Pearl Jam for the first time in 1993 at a livestock building in Oklahoma City, where Eddie Vedder climbed the rafters. He made sure his children also experienced the joys of Pearl Jam, taking Molly to see them in Oklahoma City and Abigail to see them at Wrigley Field. He attended more concerts than can be remembered, and ensured his kids inherited this same love for music through car radio quizzes, sing-alongs, and rock music history lessons while on the drive to violin practice.

A devoted father, Scott would do anything for his children; he was known to drive anywhere and everywhere just for them to have some fun. Scott drove his daughters, Megan and Molly, halfway across the country for Glee Live in California. Scott also supported Abigail through her competitive gymnastics career, joining the carpool moms to drive 8+ hours a week just for her to practice. These are only a few examples of how Scott supported and encouraged his daughters to do what they love and to have fun doing it.

Days spent with Scott were filled with laughter and spontaneous fun. He also knew the importance of using humor to bring people together. Scott had a way with words that could leave anyone belly laughing. So many of his creative phrases cemented themselves into the family lexicon, continuing to trigger eruptions of laughter whenever used.

He was filled with the joy of Christ at a young age and spread this love and his testimony to the Holy Spirit whenever given the opportunity. Although his separation from this earth is grieved by many, we are comforted by knowing he is resting with our Lord.

In addition to Pam, Megan, Molly, and Abigail, Scott is survived by his brothers, Todd McCool, Kelly McCool, Mike Reed, and Gary Reed, and his many beloved nieces and nephews: Faryn, Cade, Brandon, Jake, Anna, and Owen. Sisters-in-law: Paige McCool, Lucy McCool, Brenda McDaniel, and Amanda McDaniel. Brother-in-law: Patrick McDaniel. He is also survived by his friends that became family, including the Behrend-Wilcox family: Doug, Sharon, Talia, and Sarah; and the Richardson family. He was preceded in death by John Reed, who was more than a best friend. Inseparable since they were sixteen, they were fire and gasoline.

Scott would not presume to have anyone take their time to honor his life, but the family hopes that the many who were so richly affected by his life will keep him alive in their thoughts and prayers.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on his memory page at www.mvcremation.com.