Obituary Charles Henry (Chuck) McDonald
January 30th, 1946 - May 22nd, 2024
Charles Henry (Chuck) McDonald, 78, lost his battle to cancer on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at his home, surrounded by family.
Chuck was born January 30, 1946 in Montgomery, Alabama, to Billie McDonald Sr. and Mary Farris McDonald. He moved many times during his childhood due to his father being in the Army Air Corp. Chuck attended 11 different schools growing up, including ones in Arizona and Guam.
After high school he went to Weber State for 2 years, then graduated from the University of Utah as an Electrical Engineer. He worked at Hill Air Force Base for 6 months, then went into the Army as a Second Lieutenant. He was then sent to Signal School in Fort Gordon, Georgia. He was stationed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska after graduating as Battalion Signal Officer for 18 months and then spent 6 months in Fort Richardson, Alaska. While in Alaska he had many adventures, including hunting with his buddy, Butch, which included harvesting 2 caribou and a dall sheep.
Chuck was discharged as 1st Lieutenant and moved to Howe, Idaho to farm the family homestead. He met his future wife, Joy, in 1976 and moved to Denver to be with her and worked for Behrent Engineering Co. for 3 years. He and Joy moved to Shelley, Idaho in 1980 and were married in 1983. Chuck worked at the Site as an Electrical Engineer until his retirement in 2001. After retirement he and Joy made their home in Howe back at the family homestead, where Chuck enjoyed doing some hobby farming, hunting, horseback riding, camping, flying his beloved 182, and hanging out with family and friends.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Joy. He is survived by his brother, John (Kathy) McDonald of Arco; his sister, Pat McDonald of Arco and sister Kathy Lear of Curry, Nevada; his brother Billie (Patty) McDonald of Howe, plus numerous nieces and nephews whom will all miss him greatly and his life’s advice that he loved to frequently share.
Arrangements are under the care of the Anderson Family Funeral Home. The family would like to extend their appreciation for the loving care given by the Brio Hospice employees.
