In Memory
Michael Chalmers MacDonald, 80, of Owensboro, KY, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. He was born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, January 19, 1944, to the late Chalmers and Stella Malobabich MacDonald.
A proud graduate of Beaver Falls High School (Class of 1961), Michael went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967. After his honorable service, he started his career at Babcock & Wilcox Steel in Beaver Falls. His career took him to various steel mills across the Midwest before he retired.
Michael’s love of music from the 1950s and ’60s inspired him to share his passion as a wedding and event DJ. He was a Steelers fan and an enthusiastic car lover, especially of classic muscle cars. Above all, Michael treasured his time with his family and friends; his grandchildren brought him particular joy. Known for his warm spirit and fun-loving nature, he was truly the life of every party.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Oda Shouse.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 32 years, Karen Royal MacDonald; sister, Virginia “Gin” McFarland of East Palestine, OH; daughters, Jayne Banks Harte (Daniel) and Elaine Banks Clark (David); grandchildren, Madison, Hannah, Dawson, Emmah, Bronson, and Stellah Clark; and sister-in-law Kathy Shouse.
Michael will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will forever cherish the memory of his kindness, humor, and ever-present smile.
Expressions of sympathy may be contributions to Relevant Faith Church, 700 Wing Ave, Owensboro, KY 42303.
Care was entrusted to Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.
Messages and condolences for the family may be shared at www.glenncares.com.
Sondra Kemp (Fresty)
So sorry to hear this there must be a great Gathering up in heaven for a class reunion and they needed some music condolences to him and to his family and friendsCarol Stewart (Mitchell)
I am so shocked to hear abour Mike passing I knew he was having health problems but the last time I talked to him , he sounded good and we talked about meeting at the Florida reunion. He will be so missed by all of us
Martha Dean (Hoegle)
I was sorry to learn of the death of Mike. The Mike I knew in school changed very little through the years. He was always pleasant and fun to talk to. At our last class reunion I was telling him that every time I see a McDonald's I think of him. He came back with his response and said that he wish he had their money. My sympathy to his wife, family amd many friends. He will be missed by all of us. I'm sure he is enjoying the music of Heaven and some day we all will see him again.
Russell Greata
12-28-2024
Mike and I did not grow up in the same neighborhood, so I didn’t know him through grade school and junior high. We began to find more common ground starting in 2018 when, following Dick Partington’s passing in the Spring, Terry Krivak, Terry Dicianna, and I carried out Dick’s plans for our Class of 1961 reunion for the Fall (our 57th year after graduation reunion).
Given Mike’s history of providing our reunion music, we contacted Mike who immediately offered to bring all his music CDs and player along with heavy speakers from Indianapolis. As usual, Mike played the music … always a critical contribution to the successes our reunions have always been. And, of course, although we offered to compensate Mike for his troubles, he always refused to accept anything.
How many of us took advantage of Mike’s offer to burn CDs with popular 1950s / 60s / 70s songs of our choosing? Again, Mike never accepted any payment for all the CDs he gave us.
Regarding engaging with others, Mike was friendly, warm, funny, and generous. If he criticized, it was in jest. He would slip in positive comments on personal traits, and he would often offer praise or appreciation to others, including sincere joy when learning someone received good news of any kind. And in my experience, he never failed to express gratitude to anyone who did him a favor or provided a service.
On multiple reminiscing occasions, Mike expressed his appreciation for our class. He just liked his classmates. And during such discussions, Mike smiled and laughed continually. He was always able to find and to share the humor within any situation.
When I think about it, Mike’s good humor was the major factor in my without-exception enjoyment of our conversations. But such reflection also brings to mind that Mike was sensitive to social problems and to a person’s misfortunes. Mike was aware, but he did not dwell on such issues. He did on occasion, using gallows humor, joke with a close friend about their own circumstances. Bottom line: Mike looked for the humor, but never humor at anyone’s expense.
One last thing: Mike battled multiple, very serious medical issues over the last year or two. When we spoke and in our texts, I pried information from him. He never gave me permission to ever divulge any of it to anyone, saying "everybody has problems and nobody needs to hear any of mine".
So, another excellent classmate and friend is gone. I don’t like it.
Judith Abraham
I'm so sorry for his family and friends. Please accept my Condolences. It is the proper word, but it seems so inadequate. Many emotions are wrapped up in the reality, however, grief dominates. It can be all-consuming. Sending prayers and compassion.
I remember Michael as a fun kind of guy who loved music. He seemed to have a gift to inspire others to enjoy the art of just being. What a wonderful gift to share. I admire that quality a lot. When I read Russell's comments regarding Michael's declining to share negative energy about his own well-being, I admired him even more. I can relate. With each friend we lose, we get closer to the realization of our own mortality. It's a reckoning of sorts. But I'll betcha he will have the music turned on and waiting for us. Blessed Be His Journey.
Joseph Betters
My condolences to Michael's family and friends. I remember him as a quiet nice young man.
Nancy Mannerino (Cornecki)
What a shock to hear of Mike McDonalds passing. He was such a nice guy. My sympathies to his wife and family. Rest in Peace Mike, keep spinning those tunes up in Heaven. Nancy Mannerino Cornecki
Janet Belkowski (MacCrindle)
So sorry to hear about Mike,s passing.A cutie in high school and a real down to earth guy at all of our class reunions playing those oldies but goodies. Got a couple of those tapes from him at our last reunion in Beaver Falls. So sorry we've lost another one of our classmates, brings sadness to the heart. Condolences to the whole family and his many friends. Looking forward to that "At The Hop" reunion in heaven Mike.