Duke Perry McDonald, Jr.

Our dear, sweet, loving Duke Perry McDonald, Jr., age 92, went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 24, 2016.  For anyone wishing to share in celebrating Duke’s life, visitation will be on Sunday, November 27, 2016, from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M.  The Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, November 28, 2016, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Road, Temple, TX  76504, under the direction of Pastor Carl Love.  Interment will be at 2:30 at Robinson Cemetery.  Duke was born on January 2, 1924, in Downsville, Texas, to Duke Perry McDonald, Sr. and Cora Ethel Dill McDonald, who preceded him in death.  He was the the last survivor of nine children, including brothers, Roy, Ray, Odelle, Preston, and Eugene McDonald, as well as sisters, Ruby Belcher, Mozelle Sawyer, and Ruth Crunk. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Dorothy Ann Raby Latimer McDonald, children Connie and David Whatley, Nancy and Jack Gibson, David and Nan Latimer, Kenneth and Patricia Latimer, Sharon and Daniel Jackson, and Carol Smith (fiancé of Conley Williams).  He is also survived by his grandchildren: Karen and Charles Koops, Andrew Gibson, Mandy and Lee Lane, Lacey and Eric Miller, Corey Latimer, Ashley and Derek Sherwood, Josh Burnstein, Laurel Latimer, Bryce Berry, Cameran and Daniel Berger, Aaron Berry, Darrel and Vivian Whatley. He is also survived by great grandchildren: Emily Koops, Kaitlyn Koops, Landry Lane, Gracey Miller, Audrey Lane, Eli Miller, Madison Sherwood, Maci Sherwood, Annabelle Burnstein, Caysen Berry, and Kade Berry. Duke is also survived by three sister-in-laws, Mozelle, Evelyn and Ora Dell McDonald.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Duke was preceded in death by one son, Thomas Lynn Latimer. Duke grew up in Waco and graduated from Waco High School in June of 1942.  He enlisted in the Air Force in October 1942.  He received basic training in Waco, then went to school in Wichita Falls to learn aircraft mechanics.  He served in India and Burma and was honorably discharged in February of 1946.  Duke married Dorothy Greener Coleman in April, 1948.  He and Dorothy continued raising Connie. His first wife Dorothy died on November 11, 1965. Duke later married Dorothy Ann Raby Latimer McDonald on July 2, 1970.  She had five children with her first husband, Bob Latimer, who died on April 14, 1967.  Duke and Dorothy attended the same church in Robinson, Texas. Duke was a long-time deacon at his church.  Ironically, he taught Sunday School to children who would later become his own.   He was well known for his puppet ministry in Children’s church, Vacation Bible School, Mission Trips, and supporting the youth.  Duke started working for Nabisco as a truck driver in 1946.  He worked for Nabisco for thirty-eight years, retiring in October 1984.  Duke was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He loved working outdoors and spent a lot of time “on the mountain”.  His love for life showed in his hard work, positive attitude, contagious sense of humor, and laughter.  Duke has been a wonderful role model sharing his Christian faith to many. He will be greatly missed. Special thanks go to Gail Hilliard, his niece, for her tireless efforts in love and caring for Duke.  We also appreciate the staff at Scott and White Hospital, along with the staff at Temple Living Western Hills for their overwhelming kindness during this difficult time.