Robert “Bob” B. MacDonald, Sr., 100, of Russells Point, passed away Wednesday morning, Dec. 11, 2019, at Logan Acres Care Center, Bellefontaine.
Bob was born Sept. 8, 1919, in Olathe, Kansas, a son of the late James and Ruthellen Odom MacDonald. Feb. 25, 1947, He married U. Claire Bennington in Sidney, and she preceded him in death on Feb. 23, 2015. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, James M. MacDonald, and George B. MacDonald; and two sisters, Jean Beck and Dilsie Zimmerman.
Bob is survived by two children, Robert B. (Diana) MacDonald, Jr. of Bellefontaine, and Christina MacDonald of Columbus; two grandchildren, Jennifer A. (Brent) Ogle and Jacob M. (Joanna) Failor, seven great-grandchildren, Will, Harry, Claire, and Lucy Ogle, and Claudia, George, and Lola Failor; sisters-in-law, Patricia MacDonald and Sherry Miller, brother-in-law, Ron Miller; and 19 nieces and nephews.
Bob was a 1937 graduate of Washington Township School. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during World War II, graduating from Officer Training Academy; 1st Lieutenant MacDonald landed in Utah Beach on June 7, 1944, and was injured by artillery shrapnel on July 3, 1944. Due to his injuries, Bob earned the Purple Heart and French Legion of Honor medals. Bob’s working career showed his multiple talents starting at the family business, The Big Store grocery in Russells Point; as a real estate agent for Harry Grande and Son Bud Realty; as an accountant for Turner Construction in Columbus; owning The Ice Cream Store in Russells Point; and serving as Russells Point Post Master where he retired in 1987. He was a former Mayor of Russells Point and served on the Indian Lake School Board. Bob was a longtime member of Indian Lake Community Church. He was also a member of Jackson Center American Legion Post #493, and an active member and former president of Indian Lake Area Historical Society, where he gave history lectures and helped with publications. Bob was also an avid reader of history, especially the Civil War and World War II.
Pastors Karen Blackburn and Jim Ellington begin funeral services at noon, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at the Indian Lake Community Church, 120 Orchard Island Road, Russells Point. Visitation is Friday, Dec. 20 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Shoffstall Funeral Home, 205 S. Main Street in Lakeview, and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial is in Huntsville Cemetery with military rites provided by the Logan County Veterans Honor Guard.
Contributions may be given in his name to the Indian Lake Community Church Memorial Fund. Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview. Condolences may be expressed at shoffstallfuneralhome.com.