Travis Gilbert McDonald

Travis G. McDonald, 84, of Terre Haute, died Monday, Sept. 21, 2015. He was born Nov. 26, 1930, to Mr. and Mrs. Acel McDonald. Travis attended Fontanet High School. Travis was one of four brothers: John “Mick” Harley McDonald, Don McDonald and Wilbur McDonald.

After graduating from high school in 1949, Travis was an employee at Campbell’s Soup Co. and attended Indiana State Teachers College. Soon after, he began working at Pittsburgh Paints in Terre Haute. During this time, Joann Gibson stole his heart and the childhood sweethearts became married on Aug. 5, 1950. At this time, they also met lifelong friends, Frieda and Harry Nelson. The McDonalds were blessed with four wonderful children: Roger McDonald, Jodie Leidig, Jan Schimmel and Rodney McDonald. He then began working with his new father-in-law LaVern Gibson at Gibson Coal and Supply. He wore many hats at this new job, including dispatcher, mechanic, and truck driver. Finally, Travis was able to move on to reach his goal, which was owning land and becoming a farmer. He was devoted to this and enjoyed farming for many years. Travis loved the outdoors, loved to hunt and enjoyed mushroom hunting. People said he had a real knack for spotting mushrooms when no one else could seem to find any. On April 29, 1990, Travis suffered from a severe accident. This did not slow him down one bit. He went on to enjoy winters in Florida with his wife Joann and was still involved in the everyday work of farming. Family was also an important part of Travis’ life and he loved to spend time with his children, his grandchildren and his third generation of great-grandchildren.

Travis McDonald is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Joann McDonald of Terre Haute; four children, Roger McDonald and wife, Trina, of Terre Haute, Jodie Leidig and husband, Milton, of Westin, Fla., Jan Schimmel and husband, Chauncey, of Terre Haute; and Rodney McDonald and wife, Marla, of Terre Haute; grandchildren Marlee Kelty and husband, David, Amy Sparks and husband, Jeremy, Ryan McDonald and wife, Jackie, and Mark Schimmel and wife, Darby Schimmel; Lindsey Worth and husband, Evan Worth; Zach Leidig and wife, Theresa Leidig; and Tara McDonald of Indianapolis.

Travis was preceded in death by brothers Don McDonald and John “Mick” Harley McDonald. Also preceding in death was his granddaughter, Laura Brooke McDonald.

Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, at Mattox Wood Funeral Home, 4660 N. Lafayette Ave. Services are 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, 2015, at the funeral home. Travis will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Laura Brooke McDonald Scholarship Fund, Wabash Valley Community Foundation.

Online condolences can be made at:

www.mattox-wood.com