Michael Edward McDonald

Michael Edward McDonald, son of Fern Elizabeth Safreed McDonald and Murdo Edward McDonald, passed away peacefully at home, on Thursday, August 31st, 2023. Michael was born on December 31st, 1933, in Columbus, Ohio,

Michael's mother passed away when he was five years old. He was raised by his grandparents Catherine and John McDonald, in Marquette, Michigan. Also, in the household helping out, were his Aunt Lillian, and Uncle's Jack and Dude.

Michael is a US Navy Veteran, serving overseas, in the Asia/Pacific Rim area, during the Korean War, as a Cryptological Technician (CT-2).

Michael married the love of his life, Charlene Mary Krieg, in Marquette, Michigan, on August 25th. 1956. Charlene was with Michael at home when he passed.

After the Navy, Michael attended Northern Michigan University, and earned a B.A. in Physics. Shortly after graduation, Mike and Charlene moved to the DMV area, to work at the David Taylor Model Basin's, Wind Tunnel Complex. Mike was intricately involved in the design and development of several Fighter and Attack aircraft, subsequently used in the Vietnam and Cold Wars.

In 1962. Mike transferred to the newly established Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA). Mike participated in many communications firsts for our Country.,,, first trans-Atlantic satellite communications, first world-wide broadcast, of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics by satellites and subsequently. OAO, OSO, Telos and SolarMax satellite programs. Michael also earned a NASA sponsored Post-Graduate study in Physics, at the University of Maryland in 1967-1968. In 1977, Mike was promoted to the Federal Senior Executive Service (SES), under President Jimmy Carter's rework of the Federal Civil Service.

Michael completed his Federal career in 1981, and began consulting for a succession of Federal Contractors who were designing, building and subsequently launched the Hubble Space Telescope.

In late 1991, Michael “really retired”, from scientific challenges, enjoyed life with Charlene, traveling, cruising the high seas and loving his extended Family.

Michael is preceded in passing by his parents, Fern (1905-1939), Murdo (1899-1957), and his second Mother, Aunt Lillian (1905-1977).

Michael leaves behind his loving wife of 67 years, four children; Edward (Kathy), Linda (David), Sharon (Earl), and Thomas (Angel). Also, nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Michael is a longstanding member of the Greenbelt American Legion Post 136, and the Naval Cryptological Association.

Dad was always there for us. Helping us with our studies, broken/wrecked cars, home appliances breaking down, and most importantly, genuine focused conversations. We all will miss him,

A visitation for Michael will be held Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Robert E. Evans Funeral Home, 16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715.

The graveside service will occur Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 10:45 AM at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Rd., Crownsville, MD 21032.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.robertevansfuneralhome.com for the McDonald family.