Final Salute

Caldwell – William H. “Bill” McDonald Jr. of Caldwell died June 10, 2022 at the age of 98. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 23 at 2 p.m. at the Boone Memorial Presbyterian Church, 406 S. 14th Ave., Caldwell. Bill was born June 5, 1924 in Twin Falls, Idaho the son of W.H. and Pearl McDonald Sr. He attended elementary and high school in Twin Falls, graduating in 1943. In August of 1943 he joined the U.S. Navy to be trained as a Seabee, and was assigned to the 85th US Naval Construction Battalion serving on Wake Island in the South Pacific during World War II. He was honorably discharged in December 1945. Bill married Marilyn Mason in July 1945. He then attended Idaho State University, Utah State and Oklahoma State earning BS and MS degrees in Agronomy and Plant Breeding. Bill or “Mac” as his coworkers knew him, joined the Crookham Seed Company in July 1952 to lead onion and carrot research. He and Marilyn traveled worldwide representing Crookham Company. He was elected to the board of directors in 1960, became vice president in 1960 and president in 1985. He remained president until his retirement in July 1993. Bill held offices in numerous professional and Seedsman associations. He was mindful of many civic responsibilities, holding offices and serving with the Caldwell Rotary Club, US Selective Service Board and the Board of Trustees in School District 132. Bill and his wife Marilyn raised their family in Caldwell. Their family includes Craig McDonald (deceased) his wife Jan and their children Brandon and Perry; Carole Hudson, her husband Ron and children Michael and Holly; Patti Plaisted, her husband Ron and children Mason and Marshall; Marilee McDonald, her wife Lindy Crawford; Nancy Randall, her husband Keith and children Erin and Lindsay; and Brock McDonald, his wife Kelli and children Justine, Jennifer and Brock. 22 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild also survive him. Marilyn, Bill’s wife of 46 years passed away in March 1991. Bill married Leah Clements in June 1993. They made their home in Nampa and spent many winters in Surprise, Arizona at their home away from home. Leah passed away in April 2022. His parents, a sister, Doris Thibodo, his son Craig McDonald and a great grandson, Carter Mullen preceded Bill in death. Bill was a member of the Boone Memorial Presbyterian Church. He was a consummate family man, a strong role model, and a hard working provider for his family. He was a doting husband and enjoyed entertaining around his pool and home. Donations in Bill’s honor can be made to a . Condolences may be shared with the family at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com