Donald Eugene McDonald passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of February 14, 2026. Donald, the oldest child of Berry Eugene McDonald and Dessie Mae (Chunn) McDonald, was born November 15, 1945. When he was a year old, the family moved from Kansas City to a farm near Camden, MO.

Donald attended elementary school in Camden and graduated from the Orrick High School. He was active in basketball, track and Boy Scouts, earning his God and Country and Eagle Scout badges.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force September l967, serving during the Vietnam era. Stationed stateside, he served as Chief Clerk at the Clovis Air Force Base in New Mexico.

Donald earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree as well as a Master of Science in Math and Physics from Central Missouri State College, Warrensburg, MO. After being employed by the Raytown and Rock Port Public Schools, Burroughs Corporation and Midwest Research Institute, Donald began his 28 year career as a Utility Rate Analyst at Kansas City Power and Light, where he worked until his retirement in 2006.

Early in 1974, Donald was introduced by his parents to Janice Baxter, a young teacher in Orrick. They were married November 29, 1974. After 10 years of marriage, they were blessed with two children, Jodee and David, whom Don loved dearly.

Young Donald was a member of the Camden United Methodist Church. He attended several Methodist and Baptist churches as an adult, before settling in at Nebo Baptist in his later years. He served in various capacities, including Sunday School teacher, church treasurer, choir member and trustee.

He had a passion for sports. He participated in 5-K runs and in the Kansas City Marathon. He coached in Parks and Rec. and helped start the Lazers homeschool sports program, impacting many lives during his years coaching track and basketball.

Don took pride in his community and served on the Glenaire Board of Aldermen. When able, he helped mow lawns and shovel snow for his neighbors. He will be remembered for his dry wit, his love of numbers, being a steadfast provider and just a genuinely good guy!

Don is survived by his wife, Janice, of 51 years; children, Jodee and husband David Bailey, and David and wife Sara McDonald; four grandchildren, Ethan and Faith Bailey, Louis and Sadie McDonald; sister, Connie McDonald; brother Jack and wife Twyla McDonald; three nieces, Tracy Carner, Bonnie Sturdevent, and Karin Rakita; one great niece and four great nephews, along with cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Bill Rakita; and nephew, Kevin McDonald.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ascend Hospice or Nebo Baptist Church.