Robert Martin McDonald

Robert Martin "Bob" McDonald, our family fisherman, gentle grandpa, and awesome husband, was reunited with his wife Beth for a "big party in the sky" when he passed away on the evening of Sunday, September 7, 2025.

He was born on September 26, 1948, in Crestview, Florida. He served in the United States Navy for nine years, was a retired firefighter of the Fort Walton Beach, Florida Fire Department, and a retired grocery manager for Walmart. He earned his bachelor's degree from Troy State University in Fire Science Management.

He is survived by his children, Marty McDonald, Richard McDonald, Krichelle Halualani, and Marc Halualani (Angela), six grandchildren, Forest (Laura), Emerald (Cameron), Boston Elizabeth, Bradley (Anna), Evan, and Olivia, and great-grandson, Echo Walker. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Priscilla Martin and brother-in-Law, Larry Ehler, and many, many loving nieces and nephews, including Elizabeth "Lisa" Perkins (Scott) and Larry McDonald (Crystal).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth, parents, Coy and Annie McDonald, and brothers, Richard "Buddy", Archie, and Andy.

He will be remembered for all his funny shenanigans, clever jokes, his bright smile and the twinkle in his eye. He was an avid traveler along with the love-of-his-life, Beth, and after retirement they lived the "RV Life", volunteering many hours at each park they stayed. He loved the outdoors: building campfires, hunting in the woods, and appreciating the night sky. He enjoyed talking to new people, learning the history of the area, and of course taking time to fish on any pond, lake, or stream he could find. He was quick to take you on a fishing trip, generously provide you with fish he caught, and glad to invite you for a fish-fry dinner. He affected people with his kindness, effervescence and his ability to find joy in everything.

"To all of those that think of me, be happy as I go out to sea. If others wonder why I'm missin', just tell 'em I've gone fishin'"

There will be a celebration of life when the family will take him on his "final fishing trip" in April 2026. Date and time, TBD.