Robert McDonald, 88
Funeral services for Robert Johnathan McDonald, 88, of Dora, were held Dec. 3, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains. Burial was at Little Zion Cemetery in Douglas County.
Surrounded by loved ones, Robert died Nov. 27. He was born Oct. 29, 1936, at Thomasville, to Mack McDonald and Lora (Smith) McDonald.
Robert found the love of his life, Joyce (Clinton), and they were married on Feb. 27, 1959, at Bakersfield. Robert and Joyce shared 62 wonderful, wedded years, in which they enjoyed raising their five girls, attending grandkids’ ball games, enjoying community picnics, fellowship with their friends at Athel Jackson’s Jamboree on Friday evenings and spending time deer hunting together in hopes Joyce would “kill a big one.” The couple attended Big Springs Church. As the years passed, their family continued to grow, as did their love. Joyce preceded Robert in death on Feb. 5, 2022.
Robert was a long-time dairy and beef farmer. Although they sold the dairy cows in 2001, his love for farming continued with beef cattle. Robert also hauled can and bulk milk for several years and later worked for Douglas County Road and Bridge as a brush cutter. He was a hardworking man, often working more than one job, as he did custom haying for neighbors and friends. In his later years, Robert enjoyed riding through the countryside and checking his cattle.
Robert is survived by five daughters: Charlene Causey and husband Jay of Dora, Kay Davis also of Dora, Lora Loftis and husband Danny of Lebanon, Ohio, Robyn Reahr and husband Jeremiah of Gainesville and Ashley Richison and husband Eric of Pahrump, Nevada; nine grandchildren: Darrin Causey and wife Valerie, Robbie Causey and wife Sarah, Todd Causey and wife Brandi, Kyle Mings and fiancé Laiken, Dakota Mings and wife Kristi, Kayla Davis and husband Josh, Cheyenne Mings, Skyler Davis and Elijah Richison; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; one sister, Louise Dennis and husband Cliff of Houston, Missouri; two sisters-in-law: Ruth Sheppard and husband Stasey of Willow Springs and Carol McDonald of Davenport, Iowa; special friends Edd Friend and wife Ina and Judy Russell; and several nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce (Clinton) McDonald; his parents, Mack and Lora McDonald; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charley and Orpha Clinton; two brothers: Raymond McDonald and wife Freda and Ben McDonald; five sisters: Dorothy Atha and husband Willis, Mary Cooper and husband Hubert, Ada Easley and husband Jr., Ruthie Davis and husband Otis and Janace Mitchell and husband Lloyd and long-time best friends, Eldon Russell and Junior Berry.
Memorial contributions may be made to Little Zion Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertsondrago.com.