Thomas McDonald

Thomas J. McDonald

June 27, 1941 - Dec. 13, 2019

TOPEKA, Kan. — Mr. Thomas J. McDonald, age 78, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, at Legacy on 10th Avenue Nursing Home in Topeka. 

Tom, or Mac as he was known to his friends, was born June 27, 1941, in McCook, Neb., to parents, Floyd Henry and Lillian Mae (Brisbin) McDonald. He was one of five children born to the union. Tom attended school in McCook before enlisting in the United States Navy at the age of 17. He spent the next 20 years serving his country, proudly achieving the rank of Radioman First Class. Tom retired from the U.S. Navy in 1977.

On May 13, 1962, Tom married Betty Anne (Reed) McDonald in Home Gardens, Calif. The couple were blessed with three children, Brenda, Charlene and Robert. They made their home in San Diego, Calif., before moving to Topeka in 1990.

Tom enjoyed working crossword puzzles and making military airplane models.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Anne McDonald; three brothers, Charles, Robert and Elsia; and two sisters, Dorothy and Doris.

Those left to celebrate his life include his two daughters, Brenda Holliday and Charlene McDonald, both of Topeka; son, Robert (Antonia) McDonald of San Diego; five grandchildren, Brianna, Amanda, Brenda, Anna and Cynthia; and his two great-grandchildren, Mariah and Odin.

A graveside service with military honors will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, McCook, beginning at 2 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the family and can be left in care of Tom at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, PO Box 476, McCook, NE 69001.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.