Gary Don McDonald, 82, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, comfortably in his home surrounded by loved ones. Gary leaves behind a legacy of dedication to family, education, faith, and service.
He was born on Aug. 5, 1943, to Harry and Nadine O’Donnell McDonald. He attended schools in Arma, KS and continued his education at Kansas Teachers College in Pittsburg, KS, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business. He later pursued his Master of Business Administration at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO.
While in college, Gary began his service career joining ROTC and was then commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, serving his country honorably from 1966 to 1972.
Gary was of the Methodist faith and was a proud member of the Arma American Legion.
In 1962, Gary married Mary C. Bugni, and together they built a family with their three children: Barbara Dunlap (Eddie), Cathy Davied (Tim), and Tom McDonald (Veronica). After the passing of his first wife, Gary found love again and married Betty Wente, welcoming her daughter, Debra Long (Jim), into the family.
Gary had a deep love for his family and cherished the time he spent with them. He especially enjoyed traveling the world and never missed an opportunity to watch his children and grandchildren participate in sports and activities.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty of the home; his children, Barbara Dunlap (Eddie), Cathy Davied (Tim), Tom McDonald (Veronica), Debra Long (Jim); his cherished grandchildren: Chris Dunlap (Sami), Kenzie Holt (Will), Tyler Edwards (Cheyanne), Tanner Edwards (Lauren), Brandon Long (Kasey), Jennifer Long, Ryan Long (Camryn), Kamryn Loy (Luke), Peyton McDonald, Aaron Davied (Laura), Adam Davied, Aleigha Davied, and Amanda Davied; his treasured great-grandchildren, Easton and Emersyn Dunlap; Mason and Calum Holt; Lylah and Stone Edwards; Ripken Edwards; Parker and Harrison Loy; Eva, Eli and Ethan Davied; Quinten and Emery Adams; and Mia Vega; his brother, Mark McDonald (Beth); sisters-inlaw, Janet Grassi (Jim), and Mary Ann Toeller; nieces and nephews, Zach McDonald (Jess), Grant McDonald (Jordan), Amy Frizzell (Dusty), Matt McDonald (Jennifer), Adam McDonald (Lesley), Kristi Toeller, Cindy Wolfe (Phil), and Jimmie Grassi (Bobbi).
Gary was preceded in death by his first wife Mary “Sis” Bugni McDonald, his parents Harry and Nadine McDonald, and his brother Doug McDonald.
Gary will be remembered for his strong faith and service to his country, his love of German Shepherds, sports and vintage Thunderbirds, but mostly his devotion to family, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew and loved him.
Memorial Service will be held at Brenner Mortuary in Pittsburg, Ks on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. with visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, as per Gary’s wishes, donations can be made to the Gary McDonald Memorial Fund to be used in support of his Grandson Tyler Edwards and family as Tyler continues his own battle with cancer. The family will hold a private graveside service at a later date.
