Darrel Gene McDonald

Published 12:43 am Wednesday, December 17, 2014

June 4, 1936 – November 26, 2014

Gene is survived by his wife Marjorie of 59 years.  He is also survived by son Marty McDonald of Keizer, daughter and son-in-law Karisa  and BruceThede of Salem, brother and sister-in-law Larry and Marge McDonald of Cottage Grove, and sister and brother-in-law Chris and Larry Sims of Gresham.  He is also survived by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Ed McDonald and Don McDonald, and sister Charmaine Gramling.

 Gene loved his family and was very proud of his son and daughter.  In his middle years he doted on his grandchildren and later his loving focus was on  the great-grand babies.

 He loved family reunions and camping with all relatives.  For a time fly fishing was his special interest, and then it turned to golf.

Gene  was fond of music,  especially gospel and country music. He was an avid fan of all sports having an appreciation which started as a young boy tagging along to ball practice with his big brother, Larry.  Gene excelled in all sports in high school.  He also played semi-pro baseball.

 Gene received B.S. and M.S. degrees from OCE.  He taught and coached  at Sisters High School, Cascade High School, and South Salem High School.  He also was a counselor at Sprague High School.  His Sisters Outlaws won the eight man football championship in 1961.This placed Gene as a coach of the East-West football team that year.  In later years he managed McNary Golf Course and worked at Battle Creek Golf Course.  He also worked in the fields of insurance and property management.

 The family is grateful to the management and staff of Farmington Square where Gene spent the last three years of his life.  We thank them  and the personnel of Gentiva Hospice for the special care he received.

 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 27, one o’clock at City View Funeral Home, 390 Hoyt St S, Salem, OR.  Donations may be made to Alzheimers Network of Oregon, 2615 Portland Rd. NE, Salem, OR 97306 and Morning Star Church, 4775 27th Ave. Salem, OR 97302.