David McDonald

David McDonald, 78, Galesburg, peacefully passed away Saturday, November 29, 2014 at home.

David was born on March 9, 1936 in Wichita, Kansas to William Lee and Evea Owen McDonald.  He married Suzanne Dean on May 22, 1965 in Winnetka, Illinois.  They resided in Evanston, Illinois before moving to Galesburg in 1967.

David is survived by his loving wife of 49 years and his children David Robert McDonald, Jr. (Katharine) of Downers Grove, Illinois and Alice Suzanne Monahan (John) of Lindenhurst, Illinois.  David had four grandchildren, David Robert McDonald III, Eden Marie McDonald, Emily Kate Monahan, and Jack Dean Monahan.  David is also survived by his brother, Dr. Gerald Owen McDonald (Irma) of Great Falls, Virginia.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Lee McDonald.

David was a 1954 graduate of Beloit High School in Beloit, Kansas and a 1958 graduate of the University of Kansas.  He attended Northwestern Law School earning his Juris Doctorate in 1962.

David was an active member in the Galesburg community.  He was a 43 year member of the Galesburg Noon Rotary serving as President, Ambassadorial Scholarship Chair, and earning the Paul Harris Fellow award.  David was a past president of the Galesburg Library Board and a board member for 36 years.  David was a member of the Illinois Bar Association for 51 years, a past president of the Knox County Bar Association, and a member of the American Bar Association.  He was also a member of the Jaycees, Knox County Republican Party, American Red Cross Board of Directors, and the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.  He was a percussionist with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, Precinct Committeeman, and a lecturer at Knox College.  David was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he was an elder.

David served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant.  He served four years of ROTC, one year of active duty, and eight years of Army Reserve duty in Illinois. 

David was a loving father and grandfather.  He attended many sporting events, choir concerts and dance recitals.  He loved playing with his grandchildren and spending time with his family.

A service celebrating David’s life will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Norman Mendell officiating.  A luncheon will follow the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, the Galesburg Public Library, or the Rotary Club of Galesburg Foundation.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.