George Michael McDonald M.D.

Mike was born on October 15, 1942, in Plainfield, Indiana, to John Hampton and Medora Jones McDonald. When he was two years old, the family moved to Indianapolis, where he grew up in a lively neighborhood filled with children and lifelong memories. He often spoke fondly of the endless hours spent playing at Ellenberger Park.

Mike attended Howe High School, where he ran track, played basketball, served as editor of the school newspaper, and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Though he received a journalism scholarship to Indiana University, his lifelong dream was to become a physician. He entered Indiana University in 1960, became a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, and began medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine in 1964. There he met the love of his life and companion of sixty years, Nancy Haines.

After medical school, Mike moved his young family to Houston, Texas, where he completed a rotating internship followed by a four-year residency in general surgery. During his residency, he received the George W. Waldron, M.D. Award for outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty.

Mike proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1973 to 1975, during which time he qualified for certification by The American Board of Surgery. Upon returning to Houston, he completed a fellowship at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. He later established a private surgical practice in Pasadena, Texas, before relocating to the Clear Lake area in 1977, where he practiced at Humana Clear Lake Regional Medical Center until his retirement in 2002. During his years at Clear Lake Hospital, Mike served both as trustee and chief of staff.

Beyond his medical career, Mike devoted himself wholeheartedly to his family and community. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed years of fellowship on the golf course with colleagues and friends. He coached Little League baseball and took immense pride in following and supporting his children through every stage of their lives. The family enjoyed many memorable trips and vacations together. After retiring, Mike and Nancy moved to the Lakeway area near Austin, Texas where they played lots of golf and enjoyed an active social life together.

As his health declined, Mike and Nancy moved to Bastrop, Texas, to be closer to family. Wherever they lived, they quickly found a church home. Mike’s Christian faith remained a central part of his life, and he especially enjoyed teaching Bible study classes and sharing his faith with others.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, John Hampton McDonald and Medora Jones McDonald; his sister, Joanne Cain and her husband Donald; his brother, John Hampton McDonald II and his wife Deloris; his sister, Betty Anthony and her husband Tony; and his niece, Deborah Anthony.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy Haines McDonald; his son, Brian James McDonald and wife Marianne; his daughter, Ruth Ann Widner and husband Carl Floto; and his beloved grandchildren, Ariadne McDonald, Grace Widner, and John “Jack” McDonald. He is also survived by his step grandchildren and their families: Emily Maline, David Floto, Mariana Luker, and Michael Floto; his sister-in-law, Janet Haines Berry and husband Dick; and many cherished nieces and nephews, including John H. McDonald and wife Rhea, Sandy McDonald, Erin McDonald, Charissa Tyler and husband Steve, Donna Couch and husband Rex, and Ronald Cain and wife Karen.

Mike will be remembered for his devotion to family, dedication to medicine, strong faith, and the generosity and integrity with which he lived his life.

In honor of Mike’s lifelong commitment to caring for others, the family invites those who wish to do so to make a donation to a favorite charity or cause that serves others in need.