William J. “Bill” McDonald, 83, of Independence, passed away Friday, May 15, 2015 due to a massive heart attack. Visitation beginning with rosary at 5:30pm & continuing until 8pm on Tuesday, May 19th at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 3736 Lee’s Summit Rd., Indep., MO. Mass of Christian Burial 10am Wednesday, May 20th, at the church with burial following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Bill was born February 13, 1932 in Kansas City, MO to Gordon & Sadie McDonald. He was a graduate of De La Salle High School. Bill was a member of the Boy Scouts of America & a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic O Say. He was a member of the 110th Engineers National Guard for 13 years.
Bill began his career as a Roller Skating Instructor in 1952. He managed the B&G Roller Rink and in 1957, Bill & Dorothy became owners of the rink. In 1965 a new rink was built in Independence, named B&D. This was one of several rinks that he built in the Kansas City area. Bill was named a Life Member & Hall of Fame Member of the National Roller Skating Association of America and a 50 Year Member of the National Roller Skating Association of America. Bill was a Member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church since its beginning in the early 1960s. St. Mark’s used the Roller Skating Rink for Church for 2 1/2 years, while the church was being built.
Bill was an Independence City Councilman for 12 years. He previously served 11 years of the Independence Planning Commission and served on Mid-America Regional Council for 12 years. Bill received the Mid-America Regional Council 2002 Regional Leadership Award.
Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy; daughters, Mary Ellen Hughes (Edward) & Elizabeth Marie O’Neal (Robert); grandchildren, Brittany Marie & Bailey Elizabeth O’Neal and Sean Joseph & Meredith Cecilia Hughes.
In Lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1038, Independence, MO 64050 or to St. Mark’s Church. Online condolences to www.mcgilleysheil.com. Arr: McGilley & Sheil Chapel, 11924 E. 47th St., KCMO 64133, 816-353-6555.
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