Fred Edgar McDonald

Fred Edgar McDonald was born October 12, 1927 to Don and Cleora Lanning McDonald., at Busby, Kansas, the youngest of three sons. Fred went all eight years of grade school at Busby, graduating from Longton High School in 1945. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduation, and took his boot camp training at San Diego, Ca. He was chief cook on the USS Antares, serving in the Asiatic-Pacific. He received a honorable discharge after two years of active duty then served four years in the Naval Reserves. He was a member of The Howard United Methodist Church, Past Master of Hope Lodge #155 AF&AM, American Legion Post # 0149, and Ladonia Chapter #243 Order of the Eastern Star. On May 16, 1947, he married Jo Workman of Longton, Ks. To this union was born two daughters, Teresa Ann Cookson Heilevang and Sherri Lynn Wilder. Fred worked for Mid-Continent Butane from 1947 until 1954, at Yates Center LP Gas Co. as a transport driver until 1956 and Union LP Gas Co. as a plant manager in Welch, OK and Pittsburg, KS, 1956 until 1963. He moved his family back to Howard in 1963 and later shared ownership of McDonald Bros. Propane with his brother Donald. He worked for Farm Bureau Ins. for a short time. In 1974, he went to work for Fairbank Equipment, Inc. of Wichita traveling all of Oklahoma, Eastern Kansas and Eastern Colorado. Fred retired from Fairbank Equip. in 1992. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, hunting, fishing, camping, dancing and playing cards. He had a lot of fun times with his family and friends. He and Jo spent 15 years as full time Rvers, and made many lasting friendships. Fred is survived by his wife Jo of the home, daughters Teresa Heilevang and husband Kjell of Howard, Sherri Wilder and husband Curt of Bucklin, Ks., brother Russell McDonald of Howard. Grandsons Danny Cookson, of Howard, Derek Cookson and wife Rochelle of Howard, Grand daughter Tania Muller of Colby, KS. Three Great Grandchildren, Ashley, Mason and Caleb. Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law Helen and Bill Troutman of Salina and Rosalie McDonald of Howard. Several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a half brother. Fred passed away at home with his loving family at his bedside. He left his earthly body at 12:25 PM on May 14, 2010. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at Zimmermanâ€™s Funeral Home, Howard, KS. The family suggests memorial contributions to Midian Shrine Childrenâ€™s Hospital and Hospice Care of KS. They may be left with the Zimmerman Funeral Home 206 E. Washington Howard, KS 67349

Fred Edgar McDonald

October 12, 1927 - May 14, 2010