Franklin Oliver McDonald's Obituary
Franklin Oliver McDonald , Erie Ks., passed away on June 23, 2017 at the age of 95 at the Kansas Heart Hospital, Wichita, Ks. He was born on May 21, 1922 in Rantoul, Kansas to Franklin H. and Cora L. Catterson McDonald.
Frank lived most of his growing up years in Admire, Kansas where he attended elementary and high school. Following graduation from Admire High School, he worked for a time with his father on the railroad before joining the US Army during World War II. He served three tours in the Pacific theater in the Army Air Corps where he was an instrument mechanic. His most notable assignment was on Tinian Island where he serviced B-29 bombers that delivered bombs to Japan. He was discharged following the war having attained the rank of sergeant.
Following World War II he returned to Kansas and married Nadine Peterson on September 14, 1946. He and Nadine ran the Hilltop Café in Admire for six years. After closing the café he drove delivery trucks for Coca Cola and Beatrice Foods in Emporia and Iola. Upon his mother’s death he moved his family back to Admire where he served as custodian and bus drive for the Admire schools while taking correspondence courses in electronics and TV repair. Following completion of those courses he opened McDonald TV and Repair which he ran for several years.
In 1967 the family moved to Topeka where he worked for Ed Marlings. Seven months later they moved to Chanute. He and Nadine moved to Shaw in 1977.
Frank and Nadine McDonald were instrumental in the foundation and opening of Love Inc. , then Tri-Valley Developmental Services in Chanute, Kansas
Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and family, especially his grandchildren .
Frank and his wife, Nadine, who passed away August 18, 2015, are survived by 5 children, David (Jan) McDonald , Tim (Becky) McDonald , Lynn McDonald, Carol (Jim) Eckman, and Julie (David) McLaren Their sixth child Shawn died of multiple birth defects shortly after birth . He is also survived by one sister, Florene Suit; 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; Nadine, his loving wife of 69 years; Shawn, their infant son; his brother Fred; and sisters Fern, Freda, and Frances.
Cremation has taken place.
Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to Tri-Valley Developmental Services in the name of Nadine and Frank McDonald and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.
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