Thomas McDonald Jr.

On Tuesday night, Oct. 29th, at 10:10 p.m., Thomas McDonald, Jr. passed to Heaven, to at last be with his wife, Shirley L. McDonald (Kema) and eldest son, veteran Kenneth McDonald, both of whom he missed terribly. True to his character and strength, he fought valiantly to the very end. He was born in Houston, Texas on November 27th, to parents Thomas McDonald, Sr. and Estelle Evans McDonald. Both parents passed within 18 months of each other, and before he was ten years old. He courageously and selflessly began working to help his grandmother and aunts to support and raise himself and his two younger brothers. He overcame a very hard life, for he knew what hard work and sacrifice was all about. Thomas spent his formative years in Eastland, Texas, went to high school in Tucson, Arizona, and was accepted to attend the University of Arizona just before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He enlisted in the Army in order to take care of his two brothers. He served 22 years in the United States Army and fought in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He retired as Staff Sergeant E6, and received these awards: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), and Expert Badge (M-14). He retired at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas with an Honorable Discharge. He attended El Paso Technical School and El Paso Community College earning a Certificate in Architectural Engineering/Drafting and another in Commissioned Security Officer Training, approved by the Texas Board of Private Investigators. He attended Jones Real Estate College, Inc. and earned a Certificate in Basic Real Estate Fundamentals. He was a proud patriot for the United States. He was a retired 20-year elementary school teacher with the Clark County School District, and was Teacher of the Year at Twin Lakes Elementary School (80s). Thomas was a devoted patriarch of The McDonald Family, and a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather. His birthday was always celebrated on Thanksgiving Day. He was also known as MAC, Pops and Popsy. He loved watching the news, sports, western movies, war movies, film noir, and simply being around his family. He loved gadgets, and reading presidential biographies. He was a simple and practical man, yet highly intelligent, analytical, and supremely hard-working. He loved vanilla ice cream with blueberries, and coke with peanuts. He had a dry and funny sense of humor. His overriding focus was on his family simply being happy, safe and provided for. He worked diligently at both careers and sacrificed so much for his family and grandchildren. Thomas is survived by five children (and their spouses): son Michael Lynn McDonald, son Anthony Keith McDonald & daughter-in-law Deborah McDonald, daughter Cheryl Ann Tomczuk, son Steven Dale McDonald & daughter-in-law Stephanie Hambrick McDonald, and daughter Kimberly Joi McDonald; daughters-in-law Sylvia Fuller & Lynette Boggs Perez; four grandchildren: Kendall Ellis McDonald, Jerold Darnell McDonald, Adam Boggs McDonald, and Rachel Olivia McDonald; and one great grandchild: Amelia Abeyta McDonald. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Shirley Louise McDonald (Kema), and their eldest son Kenneth McDonald, brother Floyd McDonald, brother James McDonald, and sister-in-law Luetta McDonald. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 14th at 10:00am. Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nevada State Veterans Home, 100 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005; (702) 332-6784. I Can Only ImagineI can only imagine what it will be likeWhen I walk by your sideI can only imagine what my eyes will seeWhen your face is before meI can only imagineYeahSurrounded by your gloryWhat will my heart feel?Will I dance for you, Jesus,Or in awe of you be still?Will I stand in your presence?Or to my knees will I fall?Will I sing hallelujah?Will I be able to speak at all?I can only imagineI can only imagineI can only imagine when that day comesAnd I find myself standing in the sunI can only imagine when all I will doIs forever, forever worship youI can only imagine, yeahI can only imagine-Author unknown

Thomas McDonald Jr.

November 27, 1930 - October 29, 2019