Robert McDonald

Robert J. McDonald, 73, died Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at the Hillsboro Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Hillsboro, Illinois.He was born in Wood River, Illinois on July 18, 1944, one of two sons born to Ernest Raymond and Alberta  R. (Cope) McDonald Sr.As a young man, he enlisted with the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam War, was honorably discharged as an Electrician's Mate Third Class.After returning home, he began working at Laclede Steel for a short time, and then began working on the river with American Commercial Barge Lines, repairing barges until 1973.   At that time he began his time as a Union Laborer with Local 218, Alton, Illinois.   He remained a loyal and dedicated employee for 49 years, retiring in 1998.   During his time with the union, he had served as both a steward and general foreman, and spent a great deal of time on the Alton Lock & Dam.In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time fishing and hunting, and later in life became a car enthusiast.  Anyone that knew him, can recall the meticulous care in which he took in their maintenance and appearance.He married the former Barbara Schaaf on Oct 2, 1965 at the State Street Baptist Church in Jerseyville; and together they have built a life that has spanned 52 years,  experienced the joys of their two children, and now grandchildren.Surviving are his wife, Barbara McDonald of Jerseyville; a son and daughter in-law, Bobby and Dawn McDonald of Jerseyville; a daughter and son in-law, Tammy and Kris Lehr of Eldred; six grandchildren, Sean McDonald, and his companion, Lindsey Schmidt, Ryan McDonald, Megan McDonald, Brittney Lehr, Brett Lehr and BreannaLehr; and a great granddaughter, Makalyn Rae McDonald.He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Raymond McDonald Sr.; his mother and stepfather, Alberta and Martin Golob; and his brother, Ernest Raymond McDonald Jr.Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Saturday until time of funeral services at 11 a.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.Burial will take place in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, with the Tri County Honor Guard performing military rites.Memorials may be given to the Alzheimers Association.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home