Obituary for Gary Wesley McDonald
Gary Wesley McDonald, known as Papper to many, 82, of Martinsburg passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Berkeley Medical Center.
Born August 2, 1938 in Martinsburg, he was the son of the late John Wesley McDonald and Dorothy DeHaven (Barney) McDonald.
Gary attended Martinsburg High class of 1955. After school he decided to join the United States Marine Corps. He served our country from 1956 to 1963, serving 3 years in Vietnam and 4 years in the guard as a Lance Corporal. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and received an honorable discharge. Gary continued serving our country with pride as a successful truck driver. He was known for never having a single accident on his record and earning several Million Mile Safe Driver awards. The Journal wrote an article about him in 2003 titled “Safety Record Is One In A Million”. It was an honor for him to be selected to haul President Clinton’s equipment in 1992. Gary never met a stranger, he treated everyone as family. He always had the best jokes. He was a Christian man who loved the Lord, his family and his country. He was a caring and charitable man. Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. When he wasn’t out on the open road he spent his time with his family, his dogs, and playing with his electronics. He will be greatly missed; however, he will be remembered with love.
Gary is survived by his wife of 57 years, Evelyn Virginia (Hite) McDonald; a daughter, Tammy M. Sanders of Martinsburg; 3 granddaughters, Nicole Brennan and her husband Michael, Tiffany Sanders and spouse Jeremy Houser and Christina Sanders; 6 great-grandchildren, R. Wesley, Kalei, Cordell, Gunner, Gage and Bentley; a brother, Richard McDonald and wife Ellen; several nieces and nephews and a devoted friend, Harry Vanorsdale.
The Brown Funeral Home will be open to receive family and friends from the hours of 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home of Martinsburg with Pastor Wayne Rimmer officiating. A reception will be held afterwards at the Bethel Assembly of God of Martinsburg. Visitors will be required to wear face masks, practice social distancing and follow directives.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mountaineer Recovery Center, 3094 Charlestown Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430.
Born August 2, 1938 in Martinsburg, he was the son of the late John Wesley McDonald and Dorothy DeHaven (Barney) McDonald.
Gary attended Martinsburg High class of 1955. After school he decided to join the United States Marine Corps. He served our country from 1956 to 1963, serving 3 years in Vietnam and 4 years in the guard as a Lance Corporal. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and received an honorable discharge. Gary continued serving our country with pride as a successful truck driver. He was known for never having a single accident on his record and earning several Million Mile Safe Driver awards. The Journal wrote an article about him in 2003 titled “Safety Record Is One In A Million”. It was an honor for him to be selected to haul President Clinton’s equipment in 1992. Gary never met a stranger, he treated everyone as family. He always had the best jokes. He was a Christian man who loved the Lord, his family and his country. He was a caring and charitable man. Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. When he wasn’t out on the open road he spent his time with his family, his dogs, and playing with his electronics. He will be greatly missed; however, he will be remembered with love.
Gary is survived by his wife of 57 years, Evelyn Virginia (Hite) McDonald; a daughter, Tammy M. Sanders of Martinsburg; 3 granddaughters, Nicole Brennan and her husband Michael, Tiffany Sanders and spouse Jeremy Houser and Christina Sanders; 6 great-grandchildren, R. Wesley, Kalei, Cordell, Gunner, Gage and Bentley; a brother, Richard McDonald and wife Ellen; several nieces and nephews and a devoted friend, Harry Vanorsdale.
The Brown Funeral Home will be open to receive family and friends from the hours of 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home of Martinsburg with Pastor Wayne Rimmer officiating. A reception will be held afterwards at the Bethel Assembly of God of Martinsburg. Visitors will be required to wear face masks, practice social distancing and follow directives.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mountaineer Recovery Center, 3094 Charlestown Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430.