Donald Anthony McMahon

Donald Anthony McMahon aged 84, passed on July 16, 2012 with his daughters and daughter-in-law by his side in Clear Lake, CA. He was born on October 14, 1927 in Riverton, Nebraska to George and Isabel. Don, his parents, and his 5 siblings grew up on a farm near Red Cloud, Nebraska. After graduating from high school Don ventured west and ended up in Redwood City, CA. He lived with his Aunt Arlene, Uncle Cloyd, and cousins, Eugene and Ken McMahon. He met his beloved wife Rosemary Jeserich, and they were married for 55 years. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael, wife Rosemary, brother Wally, and his son-in-law Rick Smallshire. He is survived by his sons, Don McMahon and his wife Lisa McMahon, and Dennis McMahon, daughters, Kathleen McMahon Smallshire, Eileen McMahon Bowling and her husband Chet Bowling, Patricia McMahon Gullard and her husband Mark Gullard, Carolyn McMahon Genest and her husband Art Genest, and Colleen McMahon Bray and her husband Rob Bray, and his sisters, Doris Erickson, and Jean Duval, and brothers Jack and Ed. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 5 great grand children, and his companion of the last 7 years, Jeannie Schiele of Clearlake Oaks.

Don had varied jobs including: mechanic for United Airlines, carpenter, Formica installer, and Craft man for Stanford University, until he retired in 1979. He and Rosemary and their youngest daughter, Colleen, followed their dream and moved to Clearlake Oaks where Don built his house on the Keys of Clearlake Oaks, after earning his Contractors’ License. He and his best buddy, Ron Winters, built their houses next door to each other. Ron’s wife Bonnie Winters and sons Steve, Chris and Tim were his neighbors. He built other houses also in Clearlake Oaks and the surrounding area. He loved his large family, liked to fish, boat, camp, garden, barbeque, and play poker, and dominoes. He coached his sons and grandson Michael in Little League. He was a Moose member of Lodge #2284 in Clearlake Oaks for over 30 years. Don was a past Governor, as well as Moose of the Year in 1998. Don “worked hard and played hard” all of his life and set good examples for his 8 children. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to either: https://www.lakecountyhospice.org/store/secure/donate.asp (telephone (707) 263-6222) or St. Vincent De Paul, P.0. Box 6697, Clear Lake, CA, 95422. Charity acknowledgments may be sent to Kathy Smallshire, 5354 N Staples Way, Linden, CA 95236