Roll Call Tribute
Gerald "Jerry" McDonald '62 January 8, 2021 2:32 PM updated: January 8, 2021 2:57 PM
Gerald Henry McDonald
1940 - 2021
Gerald Henry McDonald, known as Jerry to friends and family, slipped the surly bonds of earth on December 31, 2020 at the age of 80 following a hospitalization with COVID. He was born April 4, 1940 in El Paso, Texas. Following graduation from Texas A&M, he married his sweetheart, Jane and commissioned into the Navy, flying EC121s in the Hurricane Hunters. After his service in the Navy, he became a commercial pilot for Western Airlines and Delta Airlines, retiring in 2000. Upon retirement, he was conscripted into grandparent service, and was frequently put to work as a chauffeur and principal fan at his grandchildren's sporting events. He maintained a close and witty circle of friends who could often be found sharing a few beers and exchanging stories.
His life was characterized by his love of country and his love of family. Those who knew him well will remember him as a good friend with a keen intellect and wry sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Collie and Peg McDonald and Grace Charles and his brother James Collie McDonald, Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jane McDonald; his siblings; John (Cathy) McDonald of Shiloh Il, MaryAnn (Wayne) Burks of Tampa, FL and Brad (Merri Moore) McDonald of Pine Mountain GA; his children Karen (Rex) Massey of Reno, Mike (Melissa) McDonald of Larkspur, CA, and grandchildren; John (Abby) Massey, Joseph Massey, James Massey, Dylan McDonald, Luke McDonald and Katelyn McDonald.
As Dad used to say after a tough Aggie loss, "they didn't so much lose as just run out of time." He fought until the end; but just ran out of time. Services will be held a future date.
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1940 - 2021
Gerald Henry McDonald, known as Jerry to friends and family, slipped the surly bonds of earth on December 31, 2020 at the age of 80 following a hospitalization with COVID. He was born April 4, 1940 in El Paso, Texas. Following graduation from Texas A&M, he married his sweetheart, Jane and commissioned into the Navy, flying EC121s in the Hurricane Hunters. After his service in the Navy, he became a commercial pilot for Western Airlines and Delta Airlines, retiring in 2000. Upon retirement, he was conscripted into grandparent service, and was frequently put to work as a chauffeur and principal fan at his grandchildren's sporting events. He maintained a close and witty circle of friends who could often be found sharing a few beers and exchanging stories.
His life was characterized by his love of country and his love of family. Those who knew him well will remember him as a good friend with a keen intellect and wry sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Collie and Peg McDonald and Grace Charles and his brother James Collie McDonald, Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jane McDonald; his siblings; John (Cathy) McDonald of Shiloh Il, MaryAnn (Wayne) Burks of Tampa, FL and Brad (Merri Moore) McDonald of Pine Mountain GA; his children Karen (Rex) Massey of Reno, Mike (Melissa) McDonald of Larkspur, CA, and grandchildren; John (Abby) Massey, Joseph Massey, James Massey, Dylan McDonald, Luke McDonald and Katelyn McDonald.
As Dad used to say after a tough Aggie loss, "they didn't so much lose as just run out of time." He fought until the end; but just ran out of time. Services will be held a future date.
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