Wallace “Mac” Murray McDonald was born on Sept. 5, 1939, to Wallace and Grace McDonald. Mac was the oldest of three children as he was later joined by Rufas and Suzie. Their childhood was spent in Southern Illinois where Mac and his brother were lovingly referred to as “Nip and Tuck.” Their father worked for the forest service so their childhood was filled with outdoor adventures.
After graduating from high school, Mac went to college at SIU Carbondale where he completed a teaching degree before he was drafted by the Army. Once his service with the Army concluded, it continued to be a huge part of his life as he continued employment in civil services. Mac made a career in adult education at Fort Leonard Wood. Those who knew him then remember his easel size notebooks and markers he used for trainings.
During his time at Fort Leonard Wood, Mac met the love of his life in the carpool. Though Twyla initially thought he was arrogant, he quickly won her over with his charm and thoughtfulness. When Mac took too long to pop the question, Twyla, ever the pragmatic problem solver, proposed and the two were wed. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage with more ups than downs. Mac never stopped wooing his wife as there are still love notes taped to their kitchen cabinets expressing his undying love.
There was no time to rest as Mac became “Daddy” and family life took over. Ryan Lee made two become three. He was quickly joined by Melanie Gae and John Brandon. Mac shared his love of gardening and landscaping with his children as well as his love for music.
Mac was as talented with animals as he was with people. The family had several pets that loved Mac the most. His love for animals was passed down to his children whose pets also loved Mac the most.
Mac eased into retirement in 1999 as he began his second career as a traveling musician. He spent the next 20 years playing “gigs” and traveling to different retirement homes to play for the residents there.
As his children became older his family expanded. Jacob Student joined when he married Mac’s daughter Melanie. Jacob was promoted from “Son-in-Law” to “Son” over the years. Mac became known as “Grandpa” when his doodle bug Austin Bradley was born. Dylan Wallace became Mac’s Yankee Doodle Dandy when he was born on the 4th of July. Mac became “Doe Doe” when his doodle bug Lily Neva was born.
Mac professed his faith in Christ when he was young. He shared his love for Christ with others throughout his life as he frequently taught Sunday School. He was frequently seen playing the piano in the lobby in between services. Mac always believed that “God was in Charge” and his faith never wavered.
While his family will never stop missing him, there is joy in that he is now in Heaven. His family supported him as he chose a better quality of life over a prolonged battle with cancer. His last days were spent at home being cared for by ones whom he cared for once. He was gracious and funny even in his last days on earth. Mac was loved by everyone he met and the world was a better place with him in it.
A visitation and memorial service will be held at White Oak Pond Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Lebanon, Missouri on Saturday, May 13, 2023, starting at 1:00 p.m. His final resting place will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri. Warriors’ Watch Riders will perform a final salute around 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 15, 2023. They will then escort the funeral procession from Walnut Lawn Funeral Home to Missouri Veterans Cemetery for burial, with full military honors scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Growing For God” fund at Orange Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Payment can be made to Orange CP Church and given to Leah Estes, the church treasurer, at 18540 Lawrence 1247 Marionville, Missouri 65705.
His care has been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory.
