Robert LeDane McDonald

Robert LeDane McDonald, 93, of Princeton, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2022, at RiverOaks Health Campus in Princeton.

Robert known to family as “Pompa” and to friends as “Mr. Mac”. He was a lover of all things, trains, planes, automobiles and motorcycles.  A hardworking man who would always volunteer to help those who needed it. He was a lifelong member of the Broadway Christian Church since 1934.

Robert was born March 17, 1929 to Morton Bennett McDonald and Clara Artie Osborne in Princeton, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife Anna Marie Curtice on February 22, 2017. Together they enjoyed 66 years of love and family.  

Robert graduated from Princeton High School in 1948. He began working at the age of 14 at White Lumber Yard. He continued working in his youth at Spencer's Grocery, Townsley Grocery and Devoe & Reynolds Brush Factory, along with Jack Knight's Auto Parts Store. Robert also worked for his father-in -law, Marion "Red" Curtice and his printing press and for "Doc" Hollingsworth's Burial Vault Service. 

In, 1955 Robert purchased McDonald's Grocery Store located in the 200 block of South Gibson from his Uncle James G. McDonald. "Never made any money but learned hard life lessons and fed my family" as he put it. Robert enlisted in the 163rd Infantry of the Indiana Army National Guard on June 22, 1948 as a weekend warrior. He became full time in 1956 at the Princeton Armory office. In 1962 he transferred to the National Guard OMS Shop #19 on the south side of Princeton working in vehicle maintenance. In 1968 the Princeton OMS #19 was moved to Jasper, Indiana where he was the Shop Chief and a part of the 152nd Infantry Battalion. Robert retired in 1989, after 41 years of service as a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO4). 

Robert is survived by his daughter, Sharon McDonald Goodson of Princeton, Indiana; granddaughter and grandson-in-law Brandy and Daniel Rains of Knoxville, Tennessee; and great-granddaughter Megan Rains of Knoxville.  

Funeral services will be 12 p.m. Monday September 19, 2022 at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton with Rev. John Dunn officiating.  Burial will follow in the Columbia White Church Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 11 am until the service on Monday. Retired Military Veterans will conduct service at the cemetery.

A very sincere thank you goes out to the staff at RiverOaks Health Campus for their loving care and unwavering support.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Vanderburgh County Humane Society, 400 Millner Industrial Dr., Evansville, Indiana

Condolences may be expressed online at colvinfuneralhome.com.  The Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve Robert’s family.

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