Ralph McDonald Jr.

Mr. Ralph McDonald Jr., of Newport, Arkansas departed this life on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 in Little Rock at the age of 85. He was born August 7, 1929, in Newport, the son of Ralph Sr., and Marjorie Ellen (May) McDonald. Mr. McDonald graduated from Newport High School in 1947. Following high school he attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration majoring in Finance in 1951 and a Master of Business Administration degree, majoring in Economics, in 1954. Mr. McDonald was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and he remained active as an alumnus of the Sigma Chi Fraternity brotherhood throughout his life. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War as a 1st Lieutenant. Mr. McDonald had the distinction of being the youngest Base Finance Officer in the Air Force for Carswell Air Force Base near Fort Worth, Texas from 1952 to 1953. Mr. Ralph McDonald Jr. married Miss Patsy Barton of Fort Smith on June 26, 1954. Together they made their home in Newport where they were active members of the community, raised two daughters and enjoyed friends and family. Mr. McDonald was founder and President of McDonald Equipment Company, a John Deere dealership, in Newport. He was a farm equipment dealer for over 42 years, 35 of which he was also a General Motors automobile dealer. In addition to his business career, Mr. McDonald continued to supervise the farming of land on the White River settled by his family in 1831. Mr. McDonald was well recognized as a civic leader and actively served on a variety of boards and commissions; including, the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association, the board of the Village Creek and White River Levee District, the Mayberry Drainage District, the board of the Merchants and Planters' Bank, and others. He was a member of the Rotary Club and served as past president and was chosen as a Paul Harris Fellow. Mr. McDonald was particularly passionate regarding the support and promotion of Arkansas navigable waterways. During the 1960's and 1970's, he served as the Arkansas State Chairman of the Interstate Intermodal Transportation Association, originally known as the Ozark Express Route Association. Mr. McDonald worked strenuously as an advocate of the improvement of transportation infrastructure as fundamental to industrial economic and development security. Over the years he served as Chairman of the Arkansas Waterways Commission, as a Waterways Commissioner, Mr. McDonald actively supported the federal funding of the construction of the Montgomery Point Lock and Dam. He endeavored successfully on behalf of a wide variety of waterway and intermodal projects statewide during his entire tenure spanning 21 years as Arkansas Waterways Commissioner. For the White River area specifically Mr. McDonald led the regional effort to obtain federal authorization and funding of the White River Navigation Improvement Project. He served on the boards of the White River Valley Association and the White River Coalition. Mr. McDonald was a devoted member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church where he faithfully served as Senior Warden and on the Vestry and Finance Committee. He loved the history of his community and of his church. Mr. McDonald will forever be remembered for his great sense of humor, quick wit, and intellectually curious nature. He will forever be admired for his genuine devotion to his family and friends. Mr. McDonald will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Patty McDonald Manning Gowen. Mr. McDonald is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia Ann "Patsy" (Barton) McDonald of the home; two daughters, Kathy Jenevein and husband, Patrick, of Dallas, Texas, and Lauren E. McDonald of Little Rock and Newport; one brother, Toby McDonald of Little Rock, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Katy Jane Jenevein, Callie Lauren Jenevein, and Lila Ann Jenevein; many cousins, nieces, and nephews, whom he dearly loved; and a lifetime of friends. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Friday, 5-7 p.m. Memorial services are 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2015 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with the The Rev. John C. Barton, Rev. Dr. J. Russell Snapp, and Rev. Dr. Larry Burton officiating. Reception will follow in the Parish House of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 301 Hazel Street, Newport, Ark. 72112. To light a memorial candle, leave a condolence, or view the guestbook, please visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.