Evelyn Margaret McDonald passed from this earthly home in Beaumont on April 25, 2004. Evelyn was born in Gayville, South Dakota, on April 29, 1907.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. F.L. McDonald, her parents, Oscar J. and Lena Olson; and a sister, Helen Mortenson.
Friends are invited to visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. The family will honor Evelyn’s desire for a private ceremony and interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Reverend Craig Garrett, Chaplain at Calder Woods, will conduct the service.
Evelyn McDonald spent her early years in Gayville, South Dakota. During her senior year of high school she met her beloved “Mac”. This courtship continued through college. Upon graduation from the University of South Dakota, Evelyn and Mac married on June 11, 1929. This marriage lasted thirty-eight wonderful years until the death of Dr. McDonald.
After several years of graduate school, Evelyn and Mac lived in Denton, Texas for seventeen years. The family moved to Beaumont in 1952, when Dr. McDonald become president of Lamar University. For the next fifteen years Evelyn devoted her life to Mac and his dream for Lamar. She loved and supported all the activities at the university. Their home was always open to the students and faculty.
Evelyn was a member of First United Methodist Church and especially enjoyed her church circle. She was longtime member of Chapter C.C. of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was a former honorary member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Chi Omega and the Lamar University Retired Association. She enjoyed being a volunteer at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Family was especially to important to Evelyn. She is survived by two daughters, Sally and husband, Jack House of Beaumont and Colleen and husband, Bobby K. Marks of Huntsville, Texas. Her five grandchildren are Laurie Ritchel, Theresa Mathews and Ryan House of Beaumont, Denice Crosby of Houston and Donna Laverell of Huntsville. Four great grandchildren also survive her, Katie Kiker and Megan Mathews of Beaumont and Kimberly and Aaron Hall of Huntsville.
The one word that perfectly describes Evelyn is that of a lady. She was so gracious and appreciative for everything. She set an example of a life well lived. The family would like to thank each of you who made her life so joyous including her caregivers at Calder Woods and the staff of Odyssey Healthcare.
The family requests no flowers. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Dr. F.L. McDonald scholarship fund at Lamar University, P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710 or to an organization of their choice.
