Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
David MacDonald Obituary
June 26, 1943 - March 29, 2025
David John MacDonald died at home in Carlock on Saturday morning March 29 after a brief illness.
He was born in Denham, Massachusetts on June 26, 1943 to Charles and Virginia MacDonald, both predeceased him. He graduated from California State University Fresno where he met and married Sharon. He earned MA and PhD degrees at the University of Minnesota, specializing in ancient history, and taught in the history department at Illinois State University for thirty-four years until retiring in 2005.
David was known by students for his good-hearted humor and fun lectures, but many students also knew him for his kindness and benevolence.
In retirement, David first turned to writing about early Illinois, publishing Lives of Fort de Chartres: Commandants, Soldiers, and Civilians in French Illinois, 17201770 (2016), and then, with co-author Raine Waters, Kaskaskia: The Lost Capitol of Illinois (2020), followed by two recent well-received books: We Could Perceive no Sign of Them: Failed Colonies in North America, 1526-1689 (2020) and Neither Hee Nor Any of his Company did Return Againe: Failed Colonies in the Caribbean and Latin America, 14921865 (2023), and Encountering North America: Profiles of Frontiersmen, 1650-1820 (forthcoming).
There will be no funeral, but a Celebration of Life is planned for early summer. In addition to his wife, Sharon, David is survived by his sister, Laurie Dungan of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and his sister-in-law, Sheridan Sellers and grandnephew Jonathan Sweet of New York.
Memorial Donations may be made to The Humane Society of Central Illinois, to the McLean County Museum of History, or the charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David MacDonald
Kathy Zeidenstein
May 20, 2025
Oh my! Such a great loss. Mac was always larger than life. John and I were married by him, thanks to his Universal Life Church ordination. I believe we were the first of many.
Jo Rayfield
May 1, 2025
Ah Sharon my condolences. Here in Georgia I still have pleasant memories of David and of you.
Nicholas Molinari
April 14, 2025
I will miss David very much--he had a profound impact on my life and I will forever be grateful.
Andrea Rediger
April 8, 2025
David was a memorable character who always amused our family with jokes. Sharon, sending our sympathies to you.
Michael Connor
April 5, 2025
David was a longtime member of the Oriental Numismatic Society and published several papers on Indo-Greek coins in the society journal. On behalf of our members please accept our sincere condolences on your loss.
Alan Novick
April 3, 2025
Dear Sharon, so sorry for your loss. Alan Novick
Jennifer Baniewicz
April 3, 2025
I was lucky enough to take one of Mac's ancient civ classes. Sharon and Mac became my mentors. Mac believed in me when I did not believe in myself. I am a history teacher today because of his kindness.
Karen B.
April 3, 2025
Dr. MacDonald was a wonderful professor! I took at least one class with him at ISU...I think it was called "Ancient Civilizations" and it was not too long after the 1981 movie "Indiana Jones" came out. Dr. MacDonald made such funny remarks about being an archeologist...and how Indy's character should not be used as a norm of the profession. I believed he said something to the effect that more archeologists are prone to alcoholism and lung cancer, since they had a tendency to drink and smoke a lot in the profession. :)
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in David MacDonald's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for David MacDonald
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David MacDonald's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
