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Robert L. McDonald Sept. 29, 1923 - Jan. 7, 2004 |
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Robert L. McDonald Byran-College
Station Eagle From Scott Finley Robert Leon McDonald Robert Leon McDonald was born on September 29, 1923, in Vernon, Texas, where he spent his early life. His parents were Karl Green McDonald and Mattie Ellen Hise. He had 8 siblings. Robert, or Bobby, as he was known, was active in the school band in Vernon, Texas, playing the trombone and winning many medals. Later he attended Tyler Business College, and was inducted into the Army Air Force in 1943, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He received the Victory Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the American Theater Campaign medal. His assignments included Air Operations Specialist, and Radio Operator-Mechanic. He operated and maintained airborne transmitting and receiving equipment, received and transmitted international Morse Code, tune equipment, maintained calibration charts and performed flight maintenance. He met and fell in love with Betty Jo Moore in 1944. They were married in November 1945, in Clovis, New Mexico. They later lived in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Waco, Texas, where they bought their first home. They moved to Greenville, Texas in 1950. Bob made the decision to preach the gospel while living in Greenville, Texas in about 1951. He traveled to the small country church in Campbell, Texas to preach on Sundays. His first "full-time" work was with the church in Edna, Texas. He then preached for the churches at Greens Bayou, in the Houston area, and the Timberland Drive church in Lufkin, Texas. In 1961, he began work with a small group of Christians in Tyler, Texas, who had left liberal churches and started a new congregation meeting at Bow Street at the Van Highway. The church there flourished and grew and soon had built a meetinghouse on Garden Valley Road. Later he preached for churches in Baytown, Pampa, Odessa, San Antonio, The Woodlands, Longview, and finally worked with the church here in Benchley. In the late 50’s, he began editing a publication known as "The Discerner." In this paper, he discussed issues in the church. "The Discerner" had a nation-wide readership and accomplished much good. Readers of "The Discerner" will well remember the two words he often used in closing an article: "Brethren, think!" Bob never shirked from preaching and teaching what he believed to be the truth. In the early 60s, he began preaching against Christians becoming Masons. He wrote a book entitled, "Masonry and The Christian." Many Christians renounced the Masonic Lodge as a result of his work in this area. He later wrote a book entitled, "Exalted Above the Hills." Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He seldom complained about anything, and Jo often said that she could never have found a man easier to live with. His congenial personality, his well-developed sense of humor, and his genuine concern for others will long be remembered by anyone who was privileged to have known him. Recollections: ***From R.L. "Bob" Craig: Robert McDonald and I had a running joke: I was #1 Bob and he was #2 Bob. But, after my move to Odessa, Robert and his wife Jo were so helpful, generous and hospitable, and that was the first time I had a chance to say it publicly. This is no longer a joke - Robert McDonald is #1 in my book. You can say nearly all the things I understand would be said in regard to preachers or prominent men, and they would be fitting to brother McDonald. Hell be remembered for his writing, his preaching. his debating, and perhaps other things I cant think of right now. Of Robert and Jo it can be said, “They were friends in need and friends indeed.” Dictated by Robert L. Craig on January 14, 2004, in tribute to Robert McDonald, whom he knew so well, loved so much and for whom he now mourns. (James DeVoll) ***From Byron Gage: I owe much to Bob McDonald which could never be repaid. He encouraged me in every way. I remember with great fondness the time spent with Bob and Ira Lynn studying and enjoying the good things of brotherhood. Bob set me up in my first "appointment" preaching in Kermit, Texas in 1977. He helped me with study materials from the bookstore, McDonald's Books & Bibles, as well as personal materials. He encouraged me to enter "full time" work and I did that in 1978 with the Highway 9 Church of Christ in Corpus Christi. He held at least one meeting there while I was there. When the Expository Review was begun, I was asked to do the book reviews. It was a wonderful way to increase my exposure to a variety of materials, to increase my personal library and to learn the discipline required by a timetable. When I was in Lafayette, LA, I purchased McDonald's Books & Bibles and Shari and I operated it for a number of years. I followed Bob in the work at Pecan Valley Church of Christ in 1988 and he is fondly remembered by that good church. I greatly regret that I spent little time with Bob in the last few years. I must do better with those who remain and continue to encourage and influence us all for good. Bob Craig is one of them and there are many others. |
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