William E. McDonald

Reverend William E. “Bill” McDonald MARION – Reverend William E. “Bill” McDonald, 79, of Marion, passed away at 11:15 AM, Friday, March 4, 2011 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. Funeral service will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at Pittsburg Freewill Baptist Church in Pittsburg with Reverend Kenny Blumenstock and Reverend David Milburn officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the church. Burial will be at Rosehill Cemetery in Marion with Military rites performed at the graveside by the Marion VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard. Memorial may be made to Camp Jericho in Pulley’s Mill. Envelopes are available at the Funeral Home or may be sent C/O Blue Funeral Home, P.O. Box 411, Marion, IL, 62959. Bill was born on July 18, 1931 in Williamson County to William Floyd & Annie (Motsinger) McDonald. He married Emma Parks on July 5, 1952 in Creal Springs; she survives of Marion. Survivors include his wife; daughter and son-in-law, Sherri & David Milburn of Marion; daughter-in-law, Marba Nell Bertling of Goreville; grandchildren, Kari & Andrew White of Nashville, TN, Terry & Lyndsay Milburn of Stonefort, Sarah Bertling of Marion and Brock Bertling of Goreville; great-grandchild, Emmalyn White; sisters, Mary Alice Gabriel and Eva Jean Upchurch both of Marion; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, William Terrell “Terry” McDonald Bill served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a sergeant first class. He was an Ordained Freewill Baptist Minister and was pastor of Rock Springs Freewill Baptist Church in Thebes, Pittsburg Freewill Baptist Church in Pittsburg, Union Freewill Baptist Church in Thompsonville, and Liberty #6 Freewill Baptist Church in Johnston City. He was a coal miner for 40 years and member of the UMW of A, National Rifle Association, and Modern Woodmen. He will be missed by all who knew him.