George Macdonald, Sr.

George Edward Macdonald, Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 23, 2014. George was born on October 29, 1920, to George Douglas and May Macdonald. He was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He married Anita Palacios of Laredo, on June 16, 1945. He has been a devoted husband of 68 years, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. George believed devoutly in his faith and his church, Blessed Sacrament. He was a Lord in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. He portrayed George Washington and was a member of the Caballeros. He was a member of Rotary International, where he served as an officer in various capacities, which included president. He graduated from high school in 1937. George began his career working as 3rd purser on the United Fruit Company steamship SS Toloa. He attended Tulane University where he received his Bachelor and Master degrees. George joined the Army Air Corps on December 9, 1941, two days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was a bombardier-navigator with the 12th Bombardment Group 434 Squadron. The group was assigned to the British 8th Army. He flew fifty-five bombing missions in fifteen months in the North African Theatre. He served as an officer in the Office of Special Investigations. He enjoyed sharing his WWII experiences and was very proud to have served the United States of America. As an educator he served as instructor in tactical procedures and tactical procedures of the gunnery school, and Professor of Science and Tactics at Mississippi State University. He was a long time employee of LISD where he was a teacher at L.J. Christen Jr. High School, principal of M.S. Ryan Elementary School, director of federal programs, and assistant superintendent in charge of instruction. He believed that everyone should become proficient in the 3R's and that education exists to prepare us to be self-sufficient. George and Anita enjoyed traveling to various parts of the world. He found great joy in going on a cruise and loved a party and a dance. He is preceded in death by George Douglas and May Macdonald, Edward Whitmore, Carlos and Rosa Palacios, Frank and Yvonne Macdonald, Carlos and Mary Dorothy Palacios, Rosa and Alfredo Gonzalez, Josephine and Fernando Zuniga, and Jose Palacios. He is survived by his children, Douglas (Diane) Macdonald, George Edward (Rosie) Macdonald, Jr., Ann (Lucio) Macdonald; his grandchildren, Scotch Macdonald, Kendra Morales, Reagan Roberts, Ericka Barrera, George Macdonald III and Jason Macdonald; great-grandchildren, Chase, William, Madison, Ian, George IV, Douglas, Max, Katelyn, Ava, Noah, Sofia, Olivia and Luke; and sister-in-law Josette Palacios. Our family would like to express sincere appreciation for the care provided by Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa, Monsignor Stanley Sliwiak, Laredo Medical Center and Global Nursing; and devoted loving caregivers Mari and Eva. We invite you to celebrate his life by joining us in the holy sacrifice of the Mass on Monday, the 25th of August 2014 at 9 in the morning at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Rev. Msgr. Stanley Sliwiak, PhD., Retired Pastor and close friend will be the principal celebrant. The funeral procession will depart immediately following the Mass to the family plot at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery for the Rite of Committal and Interment. Pallbearers are: Douglas Macdonald, George Edward Macdonald, Jr., Scotch Macdonald, George Macdonald, III, Jason Macdonald, Ian Macdonald, George Macdonald, IV, and Lucio Flores. An Irish Blessing May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sunshine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields and Until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of his hand. You may express your condolences and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com Arrangements are under the direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040, (956) 722-0001.