Robert E. McDonald

Robert McDonald, age 84, passed away Friday, November 28, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland. Bob was born February 8, 1941, on the family farm in Isabella County. He was the ninth of twelve children born to Fred and Lucille (Thering) McDonald, joining his elder siblings, Jim, Dick, Jerry, John, Mary, Marge, Tom, Kathleen, and younger siblings, Ruth, Evie, and Bill.

A 1959 graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, Bob married Gail Davis on his birthday, February 8, 1964, at Sacred Heart. A devoted husband for nearly 62 years, he was the steady center of his home and a constant source of strength, kindness, and quiet guidance.

Born into a loving farm family of twelve children, he learned the value of hard work early in life. Those years shaped his character-resourceful, determined, and always willing to do what needed to be done. He carried that work ethic with him throughout his life, spending most of his career driving truck and hauling milk, a job he took great pride in.

He lived a life rooted in service-always ready to lend a hand to neighbors and friends, always showing up when someone needed him. He taught his children to stand up for what they believe in, to work hard, and to never give up. His example shaped not only his family, but also the community he cared so deeply about.

He poured his heart into supporting young people. He coached Little League, spent countless hours at his grandchildren's games, recitals, and school events, and proudly served on the school board for eight years.

A lover of nature, he took joy in tending to his plants and flowers and especially cherished watching the birds that visited his yard.

His faith was a guiding part of his life. He served in his church in many roles over the years-altar boy, usher, member of the choir, and videographer, faithfully filming services for 15 years. He worked countless fish fries and was always willing to do whatever was needed.

He had a wonderful sense of humor and a few trademark quirks that made him unforgettable. He'd tell you his favorite color was "skyblue pink," and his favorite food was "pea soup and johnny cake." Being a McDonald, he liked to joke that he ate at McDonalds every day. These sayings will forever make his family smile.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering commitment to family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Bob is survived by his wife Gail; children, Donna (Steve Pinard) McDonald of Copley, OH, David (Loretta) McDonald of West Bloomfield, Rich (Kody) McDonald of Belding, Julie (Brent) Gaines of Grand Rapids, and Lisa (Peter) Foy of Holland; grandchildren, Hadley, Calvin, Evelyn, Nick, Ethan, Ryan, Lydia, Marcus, Megan, Kelsey, and Luke; sisters, Kathleen Kearney of Washington and Ruth Johnson of Lansing, in-laws, Marian McDonald of Mt. Pleasant, Leona M. McDonald of Rosebush, Ron Stickney of Canadian Lakes, Cliff Schmidt of Jackson, and Sally McDonald of Rose Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lucille McDonald; granddaughter, Kate McDonald; siblings and in-laws, Jim and Leona J. McDonald, Dick and Barb McDonald, Jerry McDonald, John McDonald, Mary and Gene Worley, Marge Stickney, Tom McDonald (infant), Chuck Johnson, Evie Schmidt, and Bill McDonald.

A Funeral Mass for Bob will be celebrated at 12 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Father Andy Booms will preside. Rite of Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery concluding with a luncheon at Lincoln Reception Center. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Monday from 4-7 p.m. with the Vigil Service beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Tuesday one hour before Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jacob Michael Davis Foundation, American Cancer Society or Sacred Heart Parish of Mount Pleasant. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.