Joe Harold McDoniel

Joe Harold McDoniel, 98, resident of Benton, Louisiana was called to his Heavenly home on February 22, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on April 14, 1925 in Tuckerman, Arkansas where he was raised by his parents: Alfred Hubert and Nola Lee Lacy McDoniel. He had the honor of serving this grateful nation by enlisting within the United States NAVY and serving in World War II. Joe was on the USS Missouri and was present during the signing of the Surrender Ceremony of Tokyo Bay.

He was a diesel mechanic for most of his working career. Joe worked for Continental Bus Lines, he worked for Waukeshas fifteen years building engines for oil rigs, and he closed out his working career with Kansas City Southern Railway after twenty-five years of dedicated services where he gained the call name of "Plow Pusher". Joe loved drilling rigs, locomotives, and tractors. One thing they all have in common are diesel engines.

Joe was a member of Airline Church of Christ where he served as Deacon and Elder for thirty-five years. He attended Cypress Baptist Church over the past two years with his wife Ruby. Joe enjoyed working for the Lord. He had a passion for mission work, and traveling for that. Joe had the pleasure of sharing God's work over Eastern Europe and Central America. A few examples of places Joe has been are Poland, Nigeria, Honduras, and Germany.

Joe was an original member of the Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Group. He always enjoyed the fellowship and study with his fellow members.

Joe had a love for the great outdoors. He took great pride in working his flower beds, manicuring the yard, cutting down trees, and farming. Joe was still working a chainsaw at the young age of ninety-five.

Joe was preceded in passing by his parents: his first wife, Bobbie Courtney McDoniel; two sisters: Dorothy Blevins, Vernadene Rutledge; three brothers-in-law, Lavell Blevins, Harold Rutledge, Dean Rutledge; and one granddaughter, Priscilla Lynn McDoniel.

Left to cherish Joe's wonderful memories are his second wife, Ruby Brooks McDoniel, two sons: Gary McDoniel and wife Jean, Steve Carter and wife Jan; one daughter, Becky Jones and husband Dan; three sisters: Linda Rutledge, Joan Davis and husband Wayne, Sandra Walker and husband Jimmy; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; extended family and a number of wonderful friends.

A visitation for Joe will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 1:00 PM until time for Joe's Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037.

Joe will be remembered by all of the lives he has touched through the years for his charismatic love of life. He took great pleasure in living life to the absolute fullest and enjoying the path God laid for him.

Interment will immediately follow on the grounds of Hill Crest Memorial Park, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037.