Oscar McDonald

Oscar McDonald, the son of the late Paralee Ward and Percy McDonald, entered his eternal rest at his Dayton, Ohio residence on August 25, 2023. He was preceded in death by his son, Terry V. McDonald, sisters, Dora Porter Davidson, Mary Francis Weatherspoon, Dora McDonald, and brothers, Robert McDonald and Percy McDonald, Jr.

Born on July 16, 1930, in Huntsville, Alabama, Oscar attended the Huntsville City Schools in Alabama. As a young man, he relocated to Dayton, Ohio, and worked for Pantorium Cleaners for 28 years. Oscar later worked as a bus driver for Dayton’s Regional Transit Authority (RTA), where he retired as a highly respected colleague for 18 years; Oscar enjoyed returning to annual retiree events held by RTA.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and godfather, Oscar was also a friend to many. He and Vivian wed in 1974, and their 49-year union laid a foundation for a loving and bonded blended family. His love for his children and family set a standard for all to remember and follow, leaving a rich legacy for future generations. 

Oscar was a father figure to many young men in his family and community. He was also an advisor to the Young Laymen’s Ministry and a Trustee at Shiloh Baptist Church for over 50 years. More recently, as a member of Fellowship Baptist Church, he served as a Trustee under Pastor Timothy D. Newkirk. His love for the Lord was always present when he sang for the King’s Male Chorus at Shiloh Baptist Church, especially his stirring rendition of the old spiritual “Peace, Be Still.”

In addition to spending time with and caring for his family and friends, Oscar had a passion for collecting rocks during his life’s travels. He was known to affectionately distribute his collected rocks to family and friends as a symbol of his love and faith in Jesus Christ.

Oscar leaves to cherish his memory, his dedicated wife, Vivian A. McDonald, son, Derric D. McDonald (Stephanie) of Dayton, OH, daughters, Brenda Ford, Huntsville, AL, Kay Helton, Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Stephanie Yvette Simmons, Nashville, TN and Latonya Renee Simmons, Dayton, OH; grandchildren, Terry V. McDonald, Jr., Dayton, OH, Jameka Myers, Long Beach, CA, Jenea Graham, Atlanta, GA, Trey Helton, Cincinnati, OH, Dion McDonald Dayton, OH; devoted nephews and nieces, Johnny Porter (Judy), Las Vegas NV, Gene Porter (deceased)(Linda), Dayton, OH, Melvin Davidson (Claudette), Atlanta, GA, Joyce Saddler (deceased), Dayton, OH; goddaughter, Kniyonka Turner (Jerrell), Atlanta, GA, godson, Jamir Jackson, Harlem, NY and a host of family and friends in Huntsville, AL, Nashville, TN and Dayton, OH.

Funeral service 11 am Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, 1501 W. Third Street, Dayton, Ohio. Visitation 10 am at which time family will receive friends. Interment West Memory Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

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