H. Wayne McDonald

1924 - 2012

"Til death do us part," H. Wayne McDonald promised his bride, Janell, on Valentine's Day more than 64 years ago. Apparently Wayne felt his commitment ran deeper than that. Barely two weeks after Janell died, Wayne rejoined her when he passed away peacefully the night of Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Service: 12:30 p.m. Monday at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel. Interment: Laurel Land Memorial Park. Visitation: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth. Memorials: Western Hills Church of Christ, 8800 Chapin Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76116. Wayne was born Oct. 16, 1924, in Gray's Prairie, just outside of Kaufman, where the family eventually settled and owned and operated the McDonald Grocery Store. Wayne graduated from Kaufman High School and then served in the Army as a sergeant during World War in China and Burma. Although he played some pro ball and had several offers to continue to play baseball professionally, he elected to go to college and pursue a career. He attended Texas A&M on a baseball scholarship and graduated in 1949 with a business major. He started his career as an accountant with Humble Oil in Houston. After moving to the Fort Worth area, he later worked at Boswell Dairies, Acme Brick and then found his home at Alcon Laboratories. After retiring from Alcon, he took great pride in being inducted into its Hall of Fame. Wayne met his future wife, Janell Newby, on a blind date to a Texas A&M-TCU game. They were married in 1948 and together raised three children. Wayne enjoyed playing golf, starting at Glen Garden Country Club and later able to walk out the back door to play a few holes at Ridglea Country Club each day. No tour of Wayne's World would be complete without the music he was passionate about from western swing, country, and big band. He spent hours listening to Bob Wills, ET and mighty Merle and frequented Panther Hall. The family joined in on most of Wayne's interests, attending many Texas A&M football games and supporting the local teams as well as attending TCU games. Later the family went to Texas Rangers baseball games and followed his love for music going to see Merle Haggard, George Jones and others regularly for many years at Billy Bob's and Bass Hall. Later in life Wayne was baptized and became a member of Western Hills Church of Christ. Wayne loved his family and was sentimental in all things related to their lives. He will be deeply missed. The family would like to thank its extended family and friends for their love and support during these last few weeks. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Nora McDonald; younger brothers, Glenn and Jerry McDonald; loving daughter, Kay Hiatt; and most recently his precious wife, Janell. Survivors: Children, Gary McDonald and Judy McDonald; brother, Roy McDonald and wife, Beth; sisters-in-law, Jackie McDonald, Carolyn McDonald and Jorene Peden and their families.