Paul B McDonald

Paul grew up in Grand Junction and graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1950.

He joined the Navy in 1951 and served at Barber Point Naval Air Station in O’ahu, Hawaii as a crash rescue firefighter until his discharge in 1955. Paul worked for the telephone company in the early years after leaving the Navy. He later worked as a refinery operator in Fruita for Gilsonite and Gary Western. In the later years of his career, he worked for Powerine Refinery in Orange County, CA until his retirement.

Paul married Joanne Johns on November 4, 1959. They enjoyed almost 55 years together, first living in Grand Junction then settling in Fruita, CO. They raised five children. Paul enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, all of the Colorado Sports teams, socializing with friends and family, and attending any activities his children and grandchildren were involved in. He also enjoyed being involved in the Lion’s Club and testing children’s eyes in the elementary schools.

Paul is survived his sister, Phyllis Barslund; brother, Mike (Betty) McDonald; brother, David (Carol) McDonald; sons, Patrick McDonald and Russell (Lisa) McDonald; daughter, Amy (Mike) Harvey; grandchildren, Sean Webb, Haley Tolbert, Ethan Harvey, Sara (Nathan) LaGiglia, and Marleigha McDonald; great grandchild, James Harvey.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 11 am at Callahan Edfast Mortuary, 2515 Patterson Road in Grand Junction, CO. Military service will follow at 1 pm at Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, CO.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to HopeWest Hospice, 3090 N. 12th St. Grand Junction, CO 81506