Bob McDonald

Services for Bob McDonald, 88, of Chariton, will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. A visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Chariton Cemetery, and the family invites guests back to the funeral home afterward for a time of fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bible Holiness Church.
Charles Robert "Bob" McDonald was born on April 2, 1937, in Council, Idaho, to Tom and Hazel (Duckworth) McDonald. The family returned to the Oakley area when Bob was four years old, where he attended country school. On May 26, 1957, he was united in marriage to Karen Masters.
Bob worked at Western Tool in Des Moines and later for American Machine and Foundry ("AMF"), also in Des Moines. Bob and Karen moved back to Chariton in 1963 when they bought the farm. Bob farmed and drove a bus route for many years. He enjoyed life in the country-going coon hunting and fishing whenever he had the chance-and especially loved feeding the fish.
Bob was always close with family and friends, becoming the favorite uncle and great-uncle and making lasting memories with all his nieces and nephews. Most importantly, Bob had a deep faith. He was saved on August 1, 1976, accepting the Lord as his Savior while his brother was in the hospital, and was sanctified a few short weeks later. He and Karen were active in the Chariton Bible Holiness Church and joyfully shared the message of Jesus Christ. One memorable story recalls Bob going to Russell to pick up a used piano; on the way back through Williamson, Floyd Storm sat in the back of the truck, singing and playing that piano as they passed the tavern. Bob and Karen cherished many such moments of serving and praising the Lord.
Bob passed away surrounded by family on December 4, 2025. On his last days he was blessed to meet and hold his great great nephew, Robert Allen Masters, they were hospital neghbors, and traded naps and wisdom. Preceding him in death were his parents: Tom and Hazel; and his wife of 64 years, Karen in 2022.
Bob is survived by his brothers-in-law: Rodney (Marilyn) Masters of Chariton, Lanny (Linda) Masters of Humeston, Danny (Becky) Masters of Williamson, and James Schneider of Chariton; along with many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends. To send flowers to the family of Bob, please visit our floral store.