Earl Eugene McDonald, 91, of Osage, passed away early Wednesday morning, May 4, 2022, at Genesis Healthcare — Madison Center.
Born July 8, 1930, in Grafton, Earl was one of 13 children of the late Clarence Dewey and Claudine Kennedy McDonald.
Left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Lenora McDonald Davenport (John), Louise McDonald Peterangelo (fiancé James “J.B.” Brown), Magalene McDonald Hilson (Marion), Lenora Jean McDonald and Ronald Lee McDonald; a host of nieces and nephews, including a special niece Starlene McDonald, and a special nephew Ivan Quintana; and several cousins.
In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his siblings, Ralph Leon McDonald, Vincent McDonald (Marcille), Harlan McDonald, Druzella McDonald Cooley, Robert Lynn McDonald, Mary McDonald Collins (Jack) and Leo McDonald.
Earl and his family moved to Osage Hill in October of 1946. Prior to moving Osage, he attended school in Grafton. He attended Floyd B. Cox School in Osage and Monongalia High School in Westover. He was known to be a good baseball player. In fact, the principal at Monongalia School said that he could handle a bat well enough to become a pro baseball player.
His first job was at a junk yard in Morgantown on University Avenue owned by Carl Cartlet. He later worked for Kelly Creek Mine, Hillderbrand Mine and Clyde Gifford’s mine in Maidsville. At an early age, Earl thumbed out of state with his friend, Tom Cook, and ended up in Indiana working for the railroad making $1.27 an hour. Earl said that he lasted four months working there and then thumbed back home to Osage.
In his later years, Earl’s priority was his family. He talked daily to his sisters Lenora, Magalene ,and Louise, as well as his nieces and nephews, He enjoyed coming to the Scotts Run Museum where he told great stories about his life in Osage.
He was a very kind, good-hearted man who spent most of his life taking care of others. He was known for running his own soup kitchen in Osage and helped with his father’s care from when he became ill until his passing. Earl was very keen on his family lineage.
Friends may join the family to honor Earl’s life and legacy at Smith Funeral & Cremation Care, 108 Holland Ave., Westover/Morgantown, from 11 a.m. until the time of his homegoing service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, officiated by Pastor Gregory Cummings and eulogist Elder Patricia Thomas. Interment will follow in the Bethel Cemetery.
Condolences:
www.smithfcc.com
