John Christian McDonald

John Christian McDonald was born in Wichita Falls, TX in December 1936 and raised in Petrolia, TX. He received a NROTC scholarship to attend the University of New Mexico and graduated with a BA Degree in Social Sciences in 1960. He then married the former Elizabeth Ann Frentzel of Albuquerque, NM in 1960.

He was commissioned as an officer at the University of New Mexico in February 1960 and completed Basic School in Quantico, VA. John served for 31 years as an aviator in the US Marine Corps primarily piloting helicopters. John served three tours in Viet Nam/Okinawa and retired as a Colonel in 1991. His other duty stations included tours at Marine Corps Naval Air Stations in Pensacola, Fl, Kaneohe Bay, HI, New River, NC, Washington DC - the Pentagon, Quantico, VA, New Orleans, LA, and El Toro, CA. John also served as a flight instructor (Aviation Training Officer) to new Marine and Naval pilots and qualified as a Forward Air Controller, Security Officer, Paratrooper, Marksman, and Scuba Diver. He completed Command and Staff College in 1973; served as Assistant Chief of Staff in 1983; and later served as commanding officer over Marine Air Groups: MAG 36 and 46.

John enjoyed reading novels, stock market trading, volunteering at the Fort Worth Botanical Society and Japanese Garden, exercising, gardening, and walking his beloved dogs: Yogi, Jasmine, and Yule. He also enjoyed celebrating birthdays, holidays, and special occasions with family members who gathered often. John is survived by his wife Elizabeth Ann McDonald, three children (Christy McDonald, John & Kim McDonald, Scott McDonald), seven grandchildren (Shara Harrington, Tori & Chad Deaver, Heather Harrington, Kyle & Carly McDonald, Bryce McDonald, Ryan McDonald, Reese McDonald) and one great granddaughter (Rhiannon Rogers), along with beloved brother-in-law (Chris Frentzel)

The staff at Moore Funeral Home encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of John Christian McDonald, by visiting www.moore-funeralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution In John’s Memory to the Nature Conservancy or the Audubon Society