Doctor/Col (ret.) Joseph C. Macdonald

Funeral services will be held at the Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary (4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA) on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 4 p.m. with Chaplain Mike Stewart officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service.

Dr. Macdonald was born December 1, 1935 in Berwyn, Illinois to Robert George Macdonald and Mary Moorman Macdonald. He grew up in Oregon and attended Oregon State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He later attended University of Oregon Medical School where he met his wife, Jane Ellen Louderback. They were married for 51 years.

After completing his fourth year in medical school and his one year internship in Oakland, California, he served one year in Vietnam as a flight surgeon. Later he was stationed in El Paso, Texas where he completed his residency at William Beaumont Hospital. He was also stationed at Sandia Base Albuquerque, New Mexico; Wurzburg, Germany; and Ft. Lewis, Washington.

Dr. Macdonald served in the Army for 27 years. His last assignment was Chief of Surgery at Martin Army Medical Center, Ft. Benning, Georgia.

He retired from the Army in 1990 and became Chief of Surgery and Director of Trauma Services at the Columbus Medical Center. In 1995, he joined Columbus Surgical Associates and retired from the medical practice in 2000.

Dr. Macdonald is preceded in death by his brother, Robert George Macdonald.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Macdonald, their five children, and eleven grandchildren. Their children are Thomas (and his wife Amy), Lisa, Andrew (and his wife Theresa), David (and his wife Amy), and Laurie. Their grandchildren are Camille, Ian, Devin, Mackenzie, Dereck, Emily, Isabelle, Katie, Alex, Gavin, and Avery.

His gentle demeanor, wit, and kindness will never be forgotten. He will live forever in our hearts and will be deeply missed. Deep gratitude is extended to those who treated and cared for him including the physicians, nurses, and staff at the Amos Cancer Center and Columbus Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to Columbus Hospice in loving memory of Doctor/COL(Ret) Joseph C. Macdonald.