William Irving Donaldson Jr

Major William Irving Donaldson Jr., USMC, Retired, passed away peacefully at his home in Mansfield, Texas, on August 7, 2023. A beloved husband and father, he is survived by his wife, Patricia O. Donaldson, his two children, Mrs. Toni Schwarz (husband Dave) and Mr. William I. Donaldson III (wife Alyssia), his sister, Marsha Robbins (husband Jim), and his brothers, Scott Donaldson (wife Penny) and Kent Donaldson (wife Kaori). He is also survived by six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Born on September 6, 1946, in Banana River, Florida, Major Donaldson was the son of a career Naval Officer. His father, who was also an alumna, inspired him to pursue and successfully attain an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Following his graduation and commissioning in the United States Marine Corps in June 1968, Major Donaldson was deployed to Vietnam, where he was honored with the Bronze Star with Combat Valor. After returning from Vietnam, he attended flight school and, upon successful completion, earned the designation of Naval Aviator, embarking on a career flying the F4 Phantom. Throughout his distinguished career, Major Donaldson was assigned to various squadrons and achieved the honor of attending the Naval Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun).

Stationed with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 312 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Major Donaldson took immense pride in serving alongside his fellow comrades, often stating that his time with the "Checkerboards" was the pinnacle of his illustrious career. Following his tenure with Squadron 312, he was assigned to the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Upon his retirement in 1988, he transitioned to work with multiple defense contractors, ultimately leading him to relocate to Mansfield, Texas. He concluded his professional journey in the private sector in 2012.

In his second phase of retirement, he cherished moments spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He delighted in family game nights, leisurely moments in his backyard pool sipping margaritas, and engaging poker nights with friends. Additionally, Bill had a passion for photography, supported his wife's numerous hobbies, and embarked on memorable journeys, with an Alaskan cruise and an African Safari standing out as some of his most cherished travels alongside his beloved wife, Pat.

As a tribute to a life well-lived, dedicated service to his country, and boundless love for his family, a memorial service will take place on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Mansfield Bible Church, located at 2351 Country Club Dr., Mansfield, TX 76063. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.