Roll Call Tribute

Glenn O. McDonald 

August 12, 1948 - October 17, 2025 

In Loving Memory of Glenn McDonald, A Life of Dedication, Kindness, and Lasting Impact

On October 17, 2025, Glenn McDonald, age 77, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home after a courageous 15-year battle with Parkinson's Disease. His life was marked by enduring strength, unwavering kindness, and a deep devotion to those he loved.

Glenn was born on August 12, 1948, in Houston, Texas, to Mary and Reagan McDonald. As the middle of three sons, he grew up in a lively household, often playing the role of peacemaker and confidant between his brothers. Glenn's older brother, Roger, resides in Houston, while his younger brother tragically lost his life in a motor vehicle accident shortly before graduating from Texas A&M University-a loss Glenn carried with quiet strength throughout his life.

Family was always at the heart of Glenn's world. He married Dr. Phyllis Gail Yohe, and together they built a partnership rooted in love and mutual respect. This December would have marked their 35th wedding anniversary. Glenn was a devoted father to two daughters, Carrie Kahl and Cassie Sears, and a proud grandfather to five grandchildren. The warmth of family gatherings-filled with laughter, shared stories, and Glenn's gentle humor-was a cherished tradition. His grandchildren fondly remember the tractor rides and strawberry shakes.

Glenn graduated from Milby High School in Houston before earning his degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1970. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served several years in the Army Reserves in Colorado. His time in the mountains shaped both his love for nature and his approach to life-patient, persistent, and always resourceful.

Glenn's career in construction spanned decades and left a lasting mark on communities. He spent nearly 20 years working for Embree Construction in Georgetown, Texas, retiring in 2015. Glenn managed and contributed to a wide range of projects, from high-rise hotels and prisons to children's day care centers. As project manager during the development of Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts in Colorado, Glenn's leadership and problem-solving skills transformed these destinations into renowned mountain retreats. Colleagues recall his knack for motivating teams through quiet encouragement, and friends admired his creative solutions-like the time he resolved a complex structural challenge at Beaver Creek by sketching out an innovative plan on the back of a lunch napkin, turning a moment of uncertainty into one of triumph.

Outside of work, Glenn was an avid bow hunter who relished time spent in the Colorado mountains. Campfire evenings often turned into storytelling sessions, where Glenn shared tales from his hunting adventures, lessons learned on construction sites, and the joy he found in nature's tranquility.

He is a member of Georgetown Nazarene Church and was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and for years attended Men's Bible Fellowship studies.

Glenn McDonald's legacy shines through the buildings he helped create the family he cherished, and the community he inspired. His unwavering generosity, wisdom, and gentle humor touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was the kind of friend who would drop everything to help repair a neighbor's porch or offer advice to a young engineer just starting out. His quiet acts of kindness-like anonymously donating materials to a local daycare-were as impactful as his larger achievements.

Family and friends will remember Glenn for his ability to bring people together, his thoughtful guidance, and the laughter he brought to every gathering. His enduring influence lives on in both the structures that grace our communities and the hearts of those he loved.

Glenn's story is one of dedication, warmth, and resilience. His memory will be treasured by all who knew him, serving as a lasting reminder of what it means to live a life of purpose and compassion. The love, wisdom, and joy he shared will continue to inspire and uplift family, friends, and the wider community for years to come.

Family and friends will remember Glenn for his ability to bring people together, his thoughtful guidance, and the laughter he brought to every gathering. His enduring influence lives on in both the structures that grace our communities and the hearts of those he loved.