Robert Allen McDonald, Sr.

| August 21, 2014

Robert Allen McDonald, Sr., 94, of Shippenville, formerly of Cookport, died Friday, August 15, 2014 at the Clarview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Sligo. He died within the hour of his 95th birthday.

Born in Iowa City, August 16, 1919, he was the adopted son of the late Eliza McDonald. He was widowed from his wife of 57 years, Vanora Virginia (Hines) McDonald who died March 15, 1999.

Robert was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served in the Headquarters Company, Construction Corps in the Philippines. Following the war he started a 38 year career as a brakeman for the C&I Railroad.

Bob was the oldest and longest serving member of the Clymer American Legion Post 222, where he was a member for more than 70 years. He loved his country and was honored to have served during the second world war. He was a Ford and Chevy guy who always bought American.

He cherished the memories of picnics at George Tate’s house and breakfasts with George, Anthony and Skip Tate in Clymer. Bob also enjoyed telling jokes, stories and tall tales, especially if he thought he could “pull one over” on you, like that one time one when he shot a moose in Cookport. Coincidentally, Bob was an avid outdoorsman and hunter who enjoyed raising fox hounds. He loved people and visiting with his many friends. He truly loved his family and always made time for his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his two children: Robert A. McDonald, Jr. and wife, Judy, Indianapolis, IN and Donna (McDonald) Gaydash, Shippenville, PA. , His surviving grandchildren are: Beth Murphy; Kerry Cunningham; Dr. Lisa McDonald; R.A. McDonald, III; Julie Tilley; and Comdr. Jeffery J. Gaydash. Surviving great grandchildren are: Joseph, Bridget and Sean Murphy; Glenn Cunningham; Brianna and Kyran Tilley; and Shannon and Nora Gaydash.

In addition to his wife and mother, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas McDonald and sister, Alice Lamer.

Friends will be received from 10AM – 12 Noon, Saturday, August 23rd at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Clymer. His funeral will begin at Noon following the visitation hours at the funeral home. Interment will be in the McDowell Cemetery, Green Township, Indiana County.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: American Legion Post 222, 485 Franklin St., Clymer, PA 15728, or to Charitable Deeds, c/o Mr. John Kerle, 98 Hickory Nut Lane, Knox, PA 16232.

Condolences can be sent online at www.rbfh.net.


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Category: Obituaries