Roy C. Mcdonald

Roy C. McDonald, age 68, of Grants Pass, died Saturday, August 13, 2011 at his home.

Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to Gospel Rescue Mission, PO Box 190, Grants Pass, Oregon 97528.

Roy was born March 27, 1943 in Wynne, Arkansas and was the third of six children born to King William McDonald and Mary Jewel (Holcomb) McDonald. As a teenager, the family moved to Stockton, California where he attended Linden High School. On March 2, 1961, Roy married Leta in French Camp, California. On December 1, 1962, the young couple had their oldest child, Lela.

In 1966, the family moved to Grants Pass, Oregon. They welcomed their second child, another daughter, Caitlyn in 1970. Roy worked for School District #7 as a bus driver, and later a mechanic. In 1972, Roy moved the family to Anchorage, Alaska where he worked as a roofer. The family had their youngest child, Tricia in Anchorage in 1973.

In 1985, Roy returned to Grants Pass, Oregon and worked at School District #7 as a Diesel Mechanic until March 2003 when he retired.

Known for his witty humor, and love for life, Roy was frequently found playing pinochle while telling stories that would have his audience laughing. Roy enjoyed fishing, hunting, gold dredging and would often spend the entire day at Jump Off Joe Creek or Walker Hole. He also enjoyed playing poker, cribbage and chess.

Survivors include his wife, Leta McDonald; three daughters, Lela McDonald of Medford, Oregon, Caitlyn Kendrix-Freedman of Tacoma, Washington and Patricia McDonald of Beaverton, Oregon; two sisters, Patsy Overlay and Wanda Noland; two brothers, Jimmy McDonald and David McDonald; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his father, King William McDonald and mother, Mary McDonald and a sister, Sue Ogren.