Dr. John H. McDonald

Dr. John H. McDonald passed away peacefully from this world into eternity on Christmas morning, December 25, 2010. Services celebrating his life will be held at 3 PM on Thursday, December 30, at the Dey-Florin Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in St. Joseph. The family will receive friends and relatives from 1 PM to 3 PM on Thursday at the Dey-Florin Chapel. Burial will be held on Monday at Crystal Springs Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gideon’s International. John was born in the family home in Fairplain on July 30, 1924. As a child, he rode throughout the Fairplain community on his pony, always accompanied by his dog, named Jack. He attended Fairplain Schools through eighth grade and then Benton Harbor High School where he graduated in the class of ’43. During his years at Benton Harbor High School he lettered in baseball and was active in the Honor Society and the drama department. During World War II he completed his pre-med training at Wayne State University. On Aug. 23, 1947 he married Lois W. Kenney while he was still a student at the National College of Chiropractic and Naturopathic medicine in Chicago. Lois preceded him in death on August 14, 2007 and together they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Upon graduation in 1948 he and Lois returned to the twin cities area where he joined his father in practice at McDonald Clinic on Pipestone Street. In 1961 he moved the practice to his present location at 763 E. Napier Ave. in Fairplain where it remains today under the direction of his son, Dr. John C.B. McDonald. Throughout the 1950’s he served as a volunteer youth pastor at the Clay Street & Napier Parkview Baptist Churches. In the early 1960’s, Dr. McDonald visited every grade school in Berrien Co. performing physical fitness tests on students as part of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness. He served as president of the Michigan State Chiropractic Society from 1960-64 and was instrumental in getting chiropractic coverage included in the State of Michigan’s Worker’s Comp and Medicaid programs. He also maintained a busy practice while performing these activities. After his retirement he volunteered at Birthright and The Gideons and remained active in his church. Most people will remember him for his “Keep Smiling” cards that he gave to everyone. John lived his whole life caring for people and loving his family especially his grandchildren John is survived by his children, Dr. John C.B. (Margie) McDonald of Benton Harbor, Sharon Marsh of Glendora, CA and Becky Halcombe of Stevensville; his sister, Kathryn, of TX.; his 8 grandchildren, John L. C. McDonald, Jade Marsh, Justin Marsh, Jackie Marsh, David Halcombe, Joseph Halcombe, Rachel Halcombe, and Elizabeth Halcombe and his 2 great grandchildren, Brandon Marsh and Trenton Marsh. He was also preceded in death by his mother Ethel; his father, Dr. C.B. McDonald; his brother Dr. Chester McDonald; his sisters, Betty Gerber and Mary Kenney; and his grandson Johnny Marsh.

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Dr. John H. McDonald

July 30, 1924 - December 25, 2010