Willard John McDonald Jr. was born November 20th, 1943 in Benkelman, Nebraska to Willard J. McDonald Sr. and Elma E. (Harder) McDonald. He was the eldest of six children.
He attended Dundy County Schools until he ventured to Coatesville, PA where he attended Scott Senior High. After he returned to Nebraska, he made his living driving truck and running service stations. He also attended Colby Community College where he earned an Associate’s Degree in printing.
In 1978, he met the love of his life, Rebecca Flax, and they were married June 6th, 1980. They first had a girl, Sara, followed by a boy, Willard III, and they quickly became his reason for living.
Willard enjoyed supporting his children in their various activities growing up, and continued to support them well into adulthood. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, old cars, coffee, playing with his little Sophie dog, his cats Oscar and Cricket, spoiling his granddogs and grandcat, Maggie, Lolli, Finnigan, and Alex, and mostly, spending time with the family he loved unconditionally. Bill never knew a stranger, and a good day could be as simple as a cup of coffee with good company.
In later years, he delivered the Salina Journal in the early mornings and made numerous friends on that route. After retiring from that, he worked part-time delivering pizza for Pizza Hut. He enjoyed that job mainly because he got to meet and talk to so many different people. His smile and caring heart will be remembered by many.
Willard passed away on January 20th, 2019, at Hays Medical Center, with loved ones at his side. He left this world with faith in God and a strong belief in where he was going. He arrived at the gates greeted by loved ones that had already passed, the Lord, and pain free.
He was preceded in death by: His parents, Willard Sr. & Elma McDonald; son, Eric McDonald; sister, Gwenn Schleeman; brother, Ken McDonald; and a nephew, Brent Schleeman.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Flax) McDonald, of the home; daughter, Sara McDonald, of Oakley; son, Willard McDonald III, of Hill City; brother, Dick (Julie) McDonald, of Oxford, NE; sister, Mary Schneider, of Brule, NE; brother, Gary (Lisa) McDonald, of Hastings, NE; Daughter-in-law Sonya, her husband Rob, and their daughter Rachel Rooney, of St. Louis; Nephews: Ron McDonald, Rod(Valli) McDonald, and Richard(Emily) McDonald; Niece, Kristy Schleeman, of Kennisaw, NE; several grand nieces and nephews, and the many friends he met along his journey.
Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 30, 2019, at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney.
Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5 to 7. Cremation was chosen, so there will be no viewing.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Trego Community High School (for the Forensics Program). Contributions may be sent to the funeral home at 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.