John McDonald

John W. McDonald Dad was born on 5th of May, 1923 in Alvord, TX and was one of eight children of John J. and Artie McDonald also of Alvord.  John died, Thursday, October 3, 2013 in Seminole, Oklahoma. As a child and up to his graduation from high school and enlistment into the Army Air Corps during WWII, Dad worked on the family farm and odd jobs that he could find in the Alvord area. Dad enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served in the Pacific Theater and his duties assigned were as an airframe/power plant mechanic for B-17 and B-24 Heavy Bombers.  Dad was honorably discharged in 1945 after the cessation of hostilities with the rank of Corporal.  His decorations for his service are: Good Conduct Medal; American Theater Ribbon; WWII Victory Medal and Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon.  After Dad’s discharge, he started working in the aerospace industry and would continue to do so until his retirement at the age of 62.  The companies that Dad worked for were: Globe Aircraft, Consolidated Aircraft, General Dynamics Aircraft, North American Aircraft, Republic Aircraft, Grumman Aircraft, Lockheed Aircraft, McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft, Rockwell Aircraft and finally retiring from Boeing Aircraft.  During Dad’s career, he and his family got to travel often and see many parts of the USA. Dad was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the VFW and American Legion.  He was baptized into the Baptist Church and would continue to attend services until his physical limitations would not allow so. Dad was an avid fisherman, loyal Texas A&M and Dallas Cowboy fan.  Also, Dad was a constant tinkerer, busy always with something that needed fixing, often fixing something that he worked on earlier, just to do it again.  That continued until he was no longer able. Dad’s passing is preceded by his parents John Patrick and Artie Ardella (Warner) McDonald; Sisters June Erwin and Mary McEntire; Brothers: Robert, Terrell, George, Franklin. Dad is survived by his brother Max McDonald of Decatur, TX; Sons: Ronald W. McDonald of Broken Arrow, OK; John O. McDonald of Dallas, TX.  Daughter: Cheryl K. (McDonald) Haller of Lakewood, Ca. and his wife Patricia (Clower) McDonald of Seminole, OK.  In addition, Dad leaves behind many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. We love you Dad and will always remember how much you meant to all of us. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2013 at Little Cemetery, Little, Oklahoma, with Rev. Mike McDonald officiating.  There will be a viewing, on Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home where the family will receive friends.  I lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole, Oklahoma. Messages of condolences may be sent www.swearingenfuneralhome.com Funeral Information: October 7, 2013, 2:00 PM Little Cemetery located at Hwy 99 North, Seminole, OK 74868