Mark Steven McDonald, 66, of Fairfield Glade, TN was welcomed into eternal life and the loving arms of Jesus on January 11, 2019. Mark was born on September 27, 1952 in Frankfort, IN to Raymond Charles and Helen Maxine McDonald. He attended Frankfort High School, graduating in 1970, and went on to attend Purdue University with a degree in Restaurant, Hotel, Institutional Management. In August 1983, he married the love of his life, Janet Millican McDonald. For 40 years, he worked in various aspects of food service operations, purchasing and management. He retired in 2017 from Moody Bible Institute as a Stewardship Representative, a position that truly embodied his heart and soul.
Foremost, Mark loved the Lord and was faithful to His teachings. This was exemplified through his involvement and leadership roles in the Burning Hearts Emmaus Community, his church, the Clinton County Marriage Matters initiative, United Way, the IN Distinguished Young Women of America program, the Upper Cumberland Fellowship of Christian Athletes and many others. Mark had a deep bass voice and loved using it to praise God, most recently including his participation in Central Baptist Church’s Living Christmas Tree. Mark was passionate about enriching the lives of others all the way to his final wish of benefitting families through organ/tissue donation.
Mark had steadfast devotion to those special things that were near to his heart. He cherished his beloved family in Indiana. He deeply loved his Acacia Fraternity brothers and he never missed a chance to cheer on the Purdue Boilermakers. He loved Fairfield Glade and all that it had to offer including great people, beautiful scenery and, of course, golf. Mark was known as a man of integrity, a humble leader and a good friend. He will be missed for his caring spirit and his witty sense of humor.
Mark is survived by his wife of 35 years, Janet Beth McDonald of Fairfield Glade, TN; his brother David N. McDonald (Carolyn) of West Lafayette, IN; sister Cynthia A. McDonald (Kal) of Brookston, IN; and sister Melinda R. McDonald of Frankfort, IN.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 26th at 10:00 AM at Central Baptist Church, located at 1346 S. Main St., Crossville, TN 38555. The family will receive friends just prior to the service starting at 9:00 AM. A lunch for family and out-of-town guests will be offered immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations may be made to Upper Cumberland Fellowship of Christian Athletes (www.uppercumberlandfca.org), Central Baptist Church (address above) or Moody Bible Institute (www.moodybible.org). Please note the name “Mark S. McDonald” on your check or in the online form.