John Oral Mcdonald

John Oral McDonald, 67, of Nelsonville, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2015 at his residence after an extended illness surrounded by his family. He was born September 14, 1947 in Nelsonville, son of the late Austin and Jean Cunningham McDonald. He was married to Lois Tignor McDonald, who survives, for 49 years.

John graduated from York High School in 1965 and Hocking College in 1978. His draft notice came on their wedding day August 27, 1966; stationed in Lai Khe, Vietnam US Army 816th Artillery, 1st infantry division- he was awarded the Bronze Star for going beyond the call of duty during the 1968 TET offensive. He retired after 32 years of service from the Kroger Co. in Athens. He was a former city councilman and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. He loved playing softball in many leagues, traveling and participating in all of the sporting events for his daughters and grandsons. Camping with his dear friends; the Andersons, Ficks, Gabriels and many others was his passion. He was a member of Buchtel United Methodist Church and loved going early to visit with the church family. He volunteered for Souper Souls delivering soup and pie to shut-ins; he was all about family and helping others.

He is survived by his daughters, Kelli Kirkendall of Knoxville, TN and Amy Odenthal of Nelsonville; proud grandpa to Jared and Justin Kirkendall of Knoxville and Micah and Matthew Odenthal of Nelsonville; brothers, Calvin McDonald of Buchtel, Bob McDonald and Jim (Wilma) McDonald both of Nelsonville; sisters, Nora (Danny) Simms, Marg (Dean) Pidcock, Judy (Jerry) Patton and Jo Warren all of Nelsonville; sister-in-law, Anita McDonald of Nelsonville; Phillis and Curt Petersen of Sebring, FL; special friends, Chuck and Marjorie Anderson of Dresden and Carol Sikes of Columbus and his beloved dog, Jack.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bill McDonald; brother-in-law, Terry Lee Tignor and his parents-in-law, Mary and Terry Tignor.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 16, 2015 at Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St., Nelsonville with Pastor David Shoemaker officiating. Interment will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville with Military Graveside services being conducted by the Combined Color Guard Unit. Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at the funeral home.

If desired, contributions may be made in John’s honor to the Fisher House Foundation, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850 or a charity of your choice.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com