Marion James, Sr. Donald's Obituary
Marion James Donald, Sr., son of John and Carrie May Moore Donald, was born November 24, 1915 in Lebanon, Missouri. He departed this life Sunday, March 12, 2006 in Christian Health Care North, Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety years, three months, and eighteen days. On July 19, 1941, he was united in marriage to Mildred Louise LeSieur, and to this union two sons were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mildred, on April 5, 2001, his son, Marion James Donald, Jr., and two brothers, John and William Donald. Marion is survived by his son, Charles L. Donald, of Springfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Michelle Pilant, and her husband, Matt, of Lebanon, Missouri, Mike Donald, and his wife, Anthonia, of Lebanon, Missouri, Julie Donald, of Kansas City, Missouri, Lorie Donald, of Columbia, Missouri; one great-grandchild; one sister, Juanita Hydinger, of Bloomington, Indiana; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was raised in Lebanon, Missouri and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1933. During his high school years Marion was an outstanding track and field runner winning the championship in several meets. After high school, he entered the Springfield State Teacher’s College and continued with setting many track records for the college. He even qualified to participate in the Olympics in 1940, but the Olympics were cancelled due to the beginning of World War II. Marion was honored to be inducted into the Southwest Missouri State University Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Lebanon Sports Hall of Fame in the year 2000. Marion entered the U.S. Army where he served three and a half years. After his discharge, he began his teaching career in Sullivan, Missouri where he met and married his wife, Mildred. In 1945 they moved to Lebanon, Missouri where they made their home and raised their sons. His career also included teaching Mathematics and Science in the Waynesville School System for seventeen years. Marion also owned and operated the M & K Appliance store in downtown Lebanon, Missouri. He was a long time member of First Baptist Church of Lebanon and was very faithful in attendance as long as his health permitted. Marion was also a fifty-year member of the Laclede Masonic Lodge #83. He and Mildred lived on Drury Lane for many years, and he especially enjoyed walking and being outdoors, and occasionally farming on the old family homestead. Marion was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the wonderful memories he made for his family and friends. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2006, in the Holman-Howe Chapel, Lebanon. Burial will be in the Lebanon Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience. Memorial contributions to the Meals on Wheels Program at Hughes Senior Center may be made through the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri.
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