John David McDonald

John David McDonald, 67, passed away peacefully at his home on January 16, 2026, surrounded by family, after a courageous nine-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was born on July 8, 1958, in Front Royal, Virginia-and from that day forward, the world gained a man who was never short on opinions, stories, or memorable moments.

John was a devoted father, a proud grandfather, and a man whose faith and humor were equally unmistakable. He is survived by his mother, Lois Ann McDonald; his brothers, Allen McDonald (Barbara) and Stephen McDonald; and his sister, Diane Peterson (Kevin); his children, Jason McDonald (Billie), Eric McDonald (Vanessa), and Liz Gum (Brian); and his seven grandchildren-Jason Christopher, Kayla Marie, Eric Craig Jr., Jaelynn Elizabeth, Madison Grace, John Mitchell, and Cole Robert-who knew him as someone who could make any moment more entertaining simply by being himself. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Nelson McDonald.

John retired from Allegheny/First Energy, where he worked as a Combustion Turbine Technician. A simple man at heart, John never needed possessions or extravagance-what mattered most to him were faith, family, meaningful work, and good conversation. Still, he had a way of turning even the simplest process into a full production-complete with commentary, explanation, and usually a better idea of how it should be done.

A man of strong Christian faith, John lived what he believed. He sang joyfully in his church choir, served faithfully in children's ministries, helped with building projects, and regularly visited the elderly-never seeking recognition, simply showing up where help was needed. He also volunteered often with Habitat for Humanity and participated in more than 20 church mission trips through Third Presbyterian Church and Abundant Life in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, as well as Evergreen Bible Church in Williamstown, West Virginia. His servant's heart carried him across the world, including trips to Israel, Egypt, Kenya, Haiti, and Guatemala.

John loved to travel whenever he could, but he was just as known for the way he showed up at home-never afraid to speak his mind, raise one finger in the air before asking a question, or lovingly embarrass his kids and/or grandkids in the process. He wasn't a serious man-but he was deeply sincere, deeply faithful, and deeply loved.

Service Information

Visitation and memorial services will be held in two locations.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Bible Church, located at 618 W. 9th Street, Williamstown, WV 26187. A luncheon will follow the service, and all attendees are welcome to join.

A second visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Third Presbyterian Church, located at 425 Union Street, Uniontown, PA 15401. A meal will be provided for attendees following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's honor to Mercy, Inc., Evergreen Bible Church, or Third Presbyterian Church.

John's life was a testament to faith lived out loud, and while we grieve his absence, we rejoice knowing he is now home with his Lord, fully healed and at peace.