Mark Allen McDonald

A memorial service for Mark Allen McDonald, 67, of Giddings, Texas, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings with Rev. Robert Tiner officiating.

Mark was born on October 14, 1958, in Alton, Madison County, Illinois, to Glen Otis "Odie" McDonald and Betty (Davis) McDonald.

He attended Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto, Illinois, graduating on June 2, 1977.

Mark was united in marriage to Lisa (Cornelius) McDonald, and together they were blessed with two children and two grandchildren:

• Marc Anthony McDonald, his wife Kristeen, and grandson Eli McDonald of Floresville, Texas

• Amy Lynette (McDonald) Wollenweber, her husband Patrick, and grandson Ethan Wollenweber of Troy, Illinois

Mark met his soul mate Cheryl "Cherie" Sanders and gained two step-daughters that he loved, Candice Marie Iselt of Giddings, and Casey Renae Iselt of Lincoln

Mark was truly a jack-of-all-trades. Over the years he worked as a handyman, landlord, and in various other roles. Most recently, he was employed as a finish carpenter for apartment homes, working his way up to assistant manager. Even after retiring, Mark stayed busy helping friends and neighbors with mowing, woodworking, fencing, painting, mechanics, and other odd jobs. At home he enjoyed improving his house, landscaping, and refurbishing a motorhome. He even built a deck in the backyard.

He loved fishing and watching NASCAR, and he enjoyed attending races at the Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige. But more than anything, Mark loved helping others-especially the elderly and disabled. Mark put Jesus Christ first and foremost in this life and knew that he was blessed. He believed if he did good to others good would come back to him. He was loved by many in the community for all of the good he did for others. He loved to spend time with his family, especially his two step-daughters. In fact, the final thing he did on the day he passed was deliver a meal to a friend in need.

Mark passed away on the evening of November 28, 2025, at Ascension Seton Hospital in Bastrop, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Terry Hunt, Linda Maulden, and Carla Fegley.

Mark is survived by his special soulmate, Cheryl "Cherie" Susan Sanders of Giddings; his brother, Ralph McDonald and wife Sandy of Hartford, Illinois; his sister, Sharon Mundine of McDade; his sister, Jackie and husband Bryan Pacha of Bryan; his grandsons; his soulmate's family, Carol and husband David Schulz of Serbin, Abbie Horne of Palestine, Cadence Hentschel of Lincoln, Jessie Dixon of Smithville, Serenity Lucio of Giddings, and Eden Whitehead of Palestine; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.