John was born in Orem, Utah to Lyle and Edna McDonald.
John has two surviving siblings, Lila McDonald Pace, and Stuart McDonald. He has three brothers that have passed on before him: Richard McDonald, Malcom McDonald and Robert McDonald.
Shortly after high school, John was drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Korean War. He served 18 months. Upon returning home, John attended BYU, and played football for the university as well. John received his Bachelor’s degree in business.
John married his college sweetheart Rachel Schmidt McDonald. They were married on December 19, 1959. John and Rachel were sealed for time and eternity in the LDS Manti Temple in Manti, Utah.
John was an entrepreneur at heart. He owned two gas stations, McDonalds Ice, McDonalds Used Cars, and The Cottage Inn. He was also a successful prospector.
John and Rachel have four children: Kimberly McDonald Knowles, married to Chris Knowles (four children and five grandchildren); Chad McDonald, married to Rauni Cook McDonald (four children and two grandchildren); Jill McDonald Miller, married to Brian Miller (two children and two grandchildren); and Marlo McDonald Salomonson, married to Aaron Salomonson (four children).
Their 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren were John and Rachel’s joy and lasting legacy.
Family was most important to John and he was well loved by his wife, children, son-in-laws, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
John was written up in the local paper 40 some years ago as “The Good Samaritan” of Moab. He was always willing to help someone who had a broken-down vehicle, needed a listening ear, or words of encouragement. He volunteered as a scuba diver for the Search and Rescue organization in Moab. He loved to read, ride motorcycles, go four wheeling, and follow politics and the news. He also loved to hunt and be in the outdoors.
John was well-loved by all and will be greatly missed.
A visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and a funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Moab Stake Center, 701 E. Locust Lane in Moab.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
