Gary L. “Mac” McDonald, age 71, of Marion, died Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at his daughter’s home surrounded by his loving family.
On November 9, 1944, Gary was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, one of eleven children of the late Rubert and Willa (Steele) McDonald. As a family they moved to Akron, then to Marion in the 1960’s.
Shortly after moving to Marion, Gary married the love of his life, Carolyn Morgan on September 2, 1967. Together they shared twenty special years of marriage. She preceded him in death on April 30, 1988.
“A man of many hats”, Gary worked in many capacities over the years following where his heart took him. He served in the National Guard, he worked construction and in manufacturing, and even served as a minister.
In his younger days, Gary was very athletic, even boxing as an amateur for many years. Later, he was proud to train his grandson, Robert “Bobby” Landon III, to box. He also loved watching sports, especially his beloved Cleveland Cavaliers.
A lifelong “hippy from the 60’s”, Gary was a smoking aficionado, enjoying all types of smokes. He also was an avid bingo player.
Always speaking his mind, Gary liked things to be “his way,” which is what lead his family and friends to nickname him “the Don”. Most important of all to Gary was his family, and he cherished his time spent with them.
He will be missed by his daughter, Tammy (Robert) Landon Jr.; two grandchildren: Jessica (Charles) Runyon and Robert (Amanda) Landon III; six great-grandchildren: Riley, Makinsey, and Lyla Runyon, and Mason, Ariella, and Isaiah Landon; several step-children, including: Bill, Dan and Rick Beechum; several step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren; spouse, Carla McDonald; two sisters: Judy Morgan and Debbie Mollett; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his first wife and parents, Gary was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters.
Services honoring Mac’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion, with his family and friends officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery. A celebration will then be held from Noon-2 p.m. at the Baseball for Youth, 506 Leader St., Marion (Bingo Hall), where family and friends are invited to share in a potluck together.
Rather than flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to have been chosen to serve Mac’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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