Robert "Bob" Thomas McDonald

Robert “Bob” Thomas McDonald, 82, passed away peacefully in the afternoon of Thursday, September 3, 2020, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was a loving son and husband as well as a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Bob was born November 22, 1937, the only child of the late Clarence McDonald and Anne (Sageman) McDonald Seaman. He grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, where he attended Arthur Hill High School. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in East Lansing. After college, Bob worked at his family’s auto parts business. In the early 1960s, he began a career at General Motors, where he worked for more than 35 years until his retirement at age 60. Bob married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Ann (Guttridge) McDonald, on September 13, 1958. To that union, five children were born: Julie, Robert, Anne, Michael and Christopher. Together, Ann and Bob raised their children in Flushing, Michigan, where they resided for more than 45 years. The happy couple loved spending time together, often taking long drives in hopes of spotting some deer. In his younger days, Bob could be found playing a round of golf at the Flushing Country Club or sitting in his treasured recliner at home with his family. He once bowled a 300, a perfect game, and shared the story of that night any chance he could. In his later years, he became an avid collector of Tootsie Toys and a well respected poker player at Michigan casinos. He was endlessly supportive of his grandchildren’s endeavors, often cheering them on with the secret passing of a $20 bill. After retiring, Bob and Ann earned their wings as snowbirds by spending their winters in Pensacola Beach, Florida. There, they put down another set of roots, creating a frequent vacation spot for several members of their family. He is survived by his five children, Julie (Bruce) Christian, Robert (Donna) McDonald, Anne (Steve) Hoopengardner, Michael (Amy) McDonald and Christopher McDonald; grandchildren, Sara (Matt) Mroczkowski, Zachary McDonald, Kaitlyn McDonald, Lacey (Jordan) Littman, Madison Hoopengardner, Nolan McDonald, Nicholas McDonald and Andrew McDonald; two great-grandchildren, Tessa and Keaton Mroczkowski; and a large extended family. Bob was also preceded in death by his dear wife, Ann. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, a small, graveside memorial will be held with immediate family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) in honor of Bob’s beloved wife, Ann.