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Mark McDonald Obituary
Dr. McDonald was born in Lebanon, Ky. in 1951, He grew up in southern New Jersey, went to college at Western Kentucky University and dental school at NJ College of Medicine and Dentistry.
He married Ruth Barrett in 1972. He served two years in the Army Dental Corps and then specialized in Pediatric Dentistry. Mark and Ruth lived 32 years in Concord, where he built a Christ centered dental practice and raised his family of three children. He retired to the Clarksville area in 2012.
Mark was passionate about missions. Beginning in 1995 until his illness, he led many dental mission trips to various countries around the world and helped create the organization Christian Medical Mission, which promotes the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ through short-term mission trips as well as through a permanent facility in the Dominican Republic. Mark was also involved in his church both while living in New Hampshire and at Water's Edge Community Church in Clarksville, Va. His life goal was to follow the Lord Jesus.
Dr. McDonald is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughter, Kari Jasus of Concord; daughter, Jill Good of Costa Mesa, Calif.; and son, Justin McDonald of Wake Forest, N.C. Mark is also survived by his sister, Victoria Tracy of Charlotte, N.C.; sister, Connie Lamphere of Williamstown, N.J.; and brother, Brad McDonald of Raleigh, N.C.
On Saturday, March 21st, starting at 1 p.m., the family of Dr. McDonald will receive friends at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home, Clarksville, Va.
A funeral service will follow at 3 .p.m and interment will take place at Oakhurst Cemetery.
Water's Edge Community Church will hold a reception following services.
In lieu of flowers, it was Mark's desire that charitable gifts in memory of him could be sent to Water's Edge Community Church, P. O. Box 309, Clarksville, VA 23927 or to Christian Medical Mission, 50A Stark Highway North, Dunbarton, NH 03046.
The family of Dr. Mark D. McDonald is being cared for by Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home of Clarksville, Va. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at wclfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark McDonald
John Case
November 22, 2020
We love and miss you Brother!!
Sure lookin forward to seeing you again!
Im reminded what you often would say .... lets pray .......
“Gotta do what ya gotta do!”
Gods in charge !
Love you bro!
And all ..... those in your life that you made better by being you! Thx
John
Scott Maclean
March 25, 2015
To the MacDonald Family- Dr. MacDonald was our family dentist beginning in the 1980's until his retirement. A truly kind and compassionate man, an inspiration to all that had the privilege of knowing him. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we know he continues to watch over all of you.
Scott, Lisa, Ryan and Meghan Maclean
Namaya
March 21, 2015
Dr. Mark Mc Donald a very Good Man: Vaya Con Dios!
He is a very good man, not was.
Was implies the past.
Though he has passed on to
heaven, his deeds and caring
for other people endures.
He was devoted to helping people -- as a dentist
and here in the Dominican Republic
he inspired many people with his
love and charity.
With his wife Ruth he made
a vibrant school and center that
serves the entire community.
With laughter, good cheer, and
a deeply rooted Christian faith,
he fully lived the commitment
Of his beliefs
caring for the less fortunate and
selflessly helping people.
I love his great humanness and laughter
and hold it close to my heart.
When I look out from his home in San Jose across the
mountains, I will always see his
Smiling face tenderly watching
Over all of his community.
God speed my friend!
We have all been touched by your
love, graciousness, and kindness.
And we send our love to your
your beloved wife Ruth and your family.
Vaya con dios, mi amigo!
Dr. Mark Mc Donald,
Is indeed a very good man.
March 21, 2015
We feel blessed to have been friends for the last thirty years. As we wait to be reunited in eternity we cherish the memories of the great times we shared together with Mark and Ruth We pray for God's comfort for family and friends. Kirk and Jill
March 20, 2015
My family is sorry for your grief. Mark was the best dentist we have every been to. He was the nicest guy, and this world will miss the wonderful man that he was. I have great memories of being in his dentist chair.
Gail Mahoney and Family
Martha Whitmire
March 20, 2015
Dear sweet Ruth. Fred and I were stunned and heartsick to hear of Mark's illness and passing. Bob Keupper sent the obituary. Mark glorified God in his death as in his life. Know that we will be praying for you and your family and will try to call soon. We are so sorry for your loss.
Your old friends who still love you, Martha and Fred Whitmire
Stacey Venne
March 17, 2015
So terribly sorry to hear of your passing. You made going to the dentist, (a very scary thing for small children) a wonderful experience. I will NEVER forget you.
Preston Lawrance
March 16, 2015
Dear family members of Mark McDonald,
My sincere condolences to the loss of your husband, father, & Grandfather.
Mark was a special man and follower of Jesus Christ. He was a true servant for our Lord. I enjoyed knowing him and having him as my dentist.
I mourn his loss but rejoice that he is now in Heaven looking down and smiling at us.
Eileen Page
March 15, 2015
Dear Ruth,Jill,JP, and Kari
Our family was blessed every time we went into the dentist office. My children have fond memories of their routine dental checkups. Ruth, you and Mark worked tirelessly to establish a pediatric dentistry center . You both were pioneers who brought a high quality service to the children of Concord. You will be missed but not forgotten by thousands of children with great looking smiles. Mark and Ruth, thank you for your service.
Karen & Joe Giaquinta
March 15, 2015
It is a sad time to grieve for your loss. I am sure the lord has bigger and better plans for him. Mark was the most thoughtful, kind humble person I have ever met. I truly believe he is the closest I will ever be to a saint. He not only took care of patients as a dentist but always extended his kindness to al he came in touch with. I pray for you to find comfort in your memories and love for Mark. Without the love of such a great family and his strength in the lord he would not have been able to help so many. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Al/Susan Boush
March 15, 2015
Ruth and family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you. Mark was and still is in eternity a very special guy! We are so glad to have met him and you through the dental services provided and through your involvement in our lives as missionaries at River of Grace! His smile was so infectious and had a great sense of humor as well a so much joy in the Lord.
We have been praying for you and will continue to do so. Love and prayers, Al, and for Susan
Janice Page
March 15, 2015
Dr. McDonald was the dentist for my 6 daughters starting in 1978 when he first came to Concord. He was always so great with the girls and due to his gentle approach there was never a fear of going to the dentist. This breaks my heart. Such a kind and gentle man. May his family find comfort in knowing how much he meant to his patients in the Concord area.
Dan and Linda Wronski
March 14, 2015
Ruth so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Iris Ellis Ifemey
March 14, 2015
Hugs and prayers to Mrs. McDonald and the kids.
Faye Goodell
March 14, 2015
Ruth and family, You all must be at peace knowing that Mark is before his Father Christ in Glory. You are all in my prayers. Love
Susan Zoller
March 14, 2015
Such a kind and gentle person with a servant's heart. Loved Jesus, his family,and others.
Tamera B.
March 13, 2015
I will always remember and appreciate your kindness.
Beverly Temple
March 13, 2015
Dr. McDonald was our childrens' dentist and two of our daughters continued to see him well into their twenties. His patience with a three year old who kept bringing the mirror he allowed her to hold too close was just amazing. I was saddened to hear of his passing and rejoice with you that he is with his Savior and Lord. God's blessings, peace, comfort and hope to all your family.
Jill Good
March 13, 2015
I miss you Dad. You were an amazing man, with such a tender heart for the hurting and needy. Your generosity and humility will forever be a model for me to live by. I hope you are enjoying you place in glory!!
Rob S
March 13, 2015
Dr. McDonald was my dentist throughout my childhood. He was a patient, kind man who left you with the impression that you were his number one priority, no matter how many other kids he'd already seen that day, or how many he had left to go. He didn't have to go above and beyond, but he made it a conscious choice to do so and that spoke volumes about his character. I'm saddened to hear of his passing, and my prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Ira & Barbara Migdal
March 13, 2015
To Ruth and family; Please accept our Condolences. Mark was a great man and this is a great loss, we will all miss him terribly.
Bob & Kathy Holmes
March 13, 2015
Will miss you for now but looking forward to the reunion! Mark has established a great testimony in life for the Kingdom of God.
Jack Meibaum
March 13, 2015
My inspiration, my best friend, Mark will always be with me.
Dom and Rose LaCava
March 13, 2015
Kari, we are so sorry for your loss, for you and your family. Your faith has shined during this difficult process and will continue to sustain you and your family. Rose and Dom
Jennifer Billings
March 13, 2015
Mark's passion for Christ and people inspired me. When he spoke I listened because the way he spoke and taught were with a genuine spirit of longing for others to come to Christ. His love for Jesus was REAL! His words were always simple truths that were always a reminder of who we are called to be in Christ. My family misses him and I know you do also. I am sorry for your loss. I have a comfort with great assurance we will see brother Mark again!
Butch, judy and Chris barrett
March 13, 2015
I'm so sorry for yr loss.prayers to all of yu ,he will be deeply miss..
Cheryl Holder Eggert
March 13, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Dr. McDonald; he was such a loving and caring person, and I loved his smile. He certainly was a wonderful example of Christ's character! Thanks Mark for your faithful service to Him and to us, and for finishing well in this life. My prayers are with Ruth and the family! Love and hugs from New Hampshire! You guys are greatly missed.
Lisa Baron
March 13, 2015
Please know that Dick and I are thinking and praying for your family. We have been blessed by knowing Mark and will miss his wonderful smile until we meet again.
March 13, 2015
Ruth and Family,
So sorry to learn of Mark's passing.
Please be assured of our prayers for all of you.
Ollie and Vicki Northcott
Ocala Florida
kari jasus
March 13, 2015
i love you, Dad! We have hope that we will see you soon!!
Jeannette Gerrior-Cartier
March 13, 2015
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. McDonald. My family and I were fortunate to have such a kind and gentle physician. His family will be in our prayers.
Tim Cunningham
March 13, 2015
Mark helped lead me to the Lord many years ago and for that I am eternally grateful. He is now in the presence of the Lord and may the family feel the peace that this brings.
March 13, 2015
Dear Ruth, Kari, Jill and JP. So sad to hear of Mark's passing. He was a wonderful, kind, generous example of Jesus. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. So thankful that we know where he is. With Christian Love. Frank and Jackie Laro
March 13, 2015
To the McDonald family So sorry for your loss. Dr McDonald was an amazing individual with a passion for helping others both here in Concord and around the world. He will be greatly missed. Karen Knowles
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