Roderick Donald MacDonell III

Roderick Donald MacDonell III died Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at Community Hospital of McCook. He was 80 years old.

Roderick was born on Aug. 14, 1923, at Savannah, Ga., to Angie Elizabeth (Noack) and Roderick Donald MacDonell II. He graduated from Eastern High School, Washington, D.C., in 1941. In 1949, he graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Va., with a degree in industrial engineering.

On Aug. 20, 1942, he entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II in Tunisia, Sicily and Northern France. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 12, 1945.

He married Barbara June Howell on Nov. 8, 1957, at Portsmouth, Ohio. They lived in several states before moving to the McCook community in 1982. Roderick was employed as a production control manager for Dayco until his retirement in 1996.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a daughter, Bonnie Stephenson; and sister, Rosalie Garth.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara of McCook; three sons, Roderick MacDonell IV of Tampa, Fla., George MacDonell and wife, Heidi, of Spring Creek, Nev., and Charles MacDonell and wife, Beckie, of Omaha; two sisters, Marion Scalise and Jean Spalding both of Zellwood, Fla.; six grandchildren, Kristy Dalbec, Adam Stephenson, Kristin MacDonell, Roderick MacDonell V, Emily MacDonell and Peter MacDonell; and two great-grandchildren, Megan and Madison Dalbec.

Memorials may be given in his name to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation of Nebraska.

Funeral services are Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, 2 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Chapel with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating. Inurnment will be at a later time in the Silverbrook Cemetery at Wilmington, Del.

Visitation is Monday until 9 p.m. and Tuesday morning until 12 p.m.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.