Bob E. McDonald, Sr.

Bob E. McDonald, Sr., at the age of 76, left his earthly body to be with his Heavenly Father at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2021. Bob was born on August 12, 1944, in Doyle, La., to Virgil and Irene Tate McDonald. He enlisted in the National Guard. After his training at fort Polk, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served four years, stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. His tour of duty took him around the world including Vietnam. Bob married Rebecca “Becky” Ellis McDonald on April 3, 1964, when his ship docked in New Orleans, La. Together they raised two sons, Bobby and Brian. He was a member of local 1098 working as a pile driver for Volks Construction throughout his career where he enjoyed working with his brothers, his two sons, and nephews while making many close friends. He retired in 2005. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Irene Tate McDonald; brothers, Dallas, Lee Alton, Jessie, Roy, and Clifton; sisters, Virgie and Judy; in-laws, Willie and Hazel Ellis; brother-in-law, Eugene Ellis; sisters-in-law, Lucille McLin, Willie Mae Latham and Geneva James. Bob loved making people laugh, adults and children alike, but his calling was being Santa Claus whether at Becky Blount photography, schools, children’s hospital, or visiting in homes. He cherished the simple pleasures of life like time on the front porch visiting with family and friends. Bob never met a stranger, lived an honest life, eagerly shared his love of the Lord with others. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Becky; son, Bobby and fiance’ Cindy, and Brian and wife Vickie; grandchildren, Blake and wife Felicia, Kadie and Husband Ashton, Nina, Joshua, Bethany and boyfriend Draven, Brian, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Blaysen, Kylar, Blakelyn, Zachary, Lance, Luke, Kylin, and Olivia; brothers, Earl Ray and Buster; sisters, Violet and husband Darvin, Anna, and Daisy; brother-in-law, Ivy Ellis and wife Brenda; sister-in law Hazel and Husband James. Pallbearers are Bobby, Brian, Blake, Danny, Daniel and Earl. Honorary Pallbearers are Joshua, Brian and Bryce. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Redeemer Church (Doyle Baptist Family Life Center) in Livingston on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at 9 a.m. until the Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Conducted by Rev. Ivy Ellis and Rev Richard White. Internment in the Old Red Oak Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Redeemer Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Condolences and other information are available at www.mclinfuneralhome.com.