John Thomas McDonald

John Thomas "Papa" McDonald was born February 6, 1936, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to John Edwin McDonald and Catheryne Colleen (Mitchell) McDonald. He passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 89 years, 10 months, and 24 days.
John was raised in Tulsa and graduated from Tulsa Military Academy, an experience that helped shape his strong work ethic and disciplined nature. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, a commitment he carried with pride throughout his life. In 1967, John married the love of his life, Donna, in Hulbert, Oklahoma. Together they raised their family in Locust Grove, building a life centered on hard work, family, and simple joys. Donna preceded him in death on December 21, 1997, and John carried her memory with him always.
John spent many years working as a heavy equipment operator for Cherokee County, contributing to road construction throughout the area. In addition to his county work, he was well known for milking cows for many local dairies, including Koelsch's, Carnes, Covey's, and numerous other dairy farmers. He was never afraid of hard labor and was respected for his reliability and dedication.
Raised in the Catholic faith, John lived by values of loyalty, generosity, and devotion to family. He enjoyed watching football, westerns on television, and spending time outdoors. John especially loved watching his children play sports as they grew up. He raised and fought chickens, a pastime he took great pride in, and he cherished every moment spent with his family. Known affectionately as "Papa," John was loving and generous, famously ornery, and unapologetically hardheaded. His strong personality, quick wit, and deep love for his family will be remembered by all who knew him.
John is survived by:
5 children: Johnny McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma,
Billy McDonald of Greenville, IL,
Katherine McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma,
Ricky McDonald and wife Brandie of Rose, Oklahoma, and
Tonya McAlvain and husband Matt of Tulsa, Oklahoma;
13 grandchildren: Brittany Soldier and husband Sundance, Johnny McDonald, Jr. and wife Hannah,
Tyler McDonald, David Robison, Jr., Kaitlyn Robison, McKayla McDonald,
Meagan Swinford and husband Shon, Carly Thompson, Billy Ray McDonald,
Summer McDonald and Andy Sizemore, Tabitha McDonald,
Cheyenne McDonald, and Piper McAlvain;
15 Great grandchildren: Parker Swinford, Alexis Soldier, Aurora Swinford, Audie Soldier,
Axlie Soldier, Brooks Swinford, Jaebree Keys, Natalie Keys, Addie Sizemore,
Alaina Sizemore, Aiyana Hoggatt, Grayson Hoggatt, Blakely McDonald, Hallie McDonald,
and Malakih Prough;
2 brothers: Floyd Hamlet and wife Robin of Dill City, Oklahoma, and
Delbert Hamlet and wife Linda of Hulbert, Oklahoma;
1 sister: Ann Maxie and husband Randy of Dill City, Oklahoma;
Numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
John was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife: Donna; 1 daughter: Angel McDonald; 3 sister: Katherine McMillian, Faye Hamlet, and Mary Shrock; 2 Brothers: Billy Hamlet, J.D. Hamlet.
Funeral services are pending.