Robert William McDonald

May 2, 1920 - October 3, 2018

Robert William "R.W." McDonald, 98, of Cabot, formerly of Butler, passed away on October 3, 2018 at Concordia Lutheran Ministries. He was born in Porter Township, Clarion County on May 2, 1920, the son of the late George B. and Florence M. (Stewart) McDonald. RW and his family moved to Butler in 1929. With his parents' permission, he quit school with an 8th grade education and entered in to the workforce. His first full-time job was in the meat department of the A & P grocery store in downtown Butler. In 1943, RW went to work at the American Bantam car plant. Beginning in 1945, RW started many successful businesses. The first was McDonald Plumbing and Heating, which became R.W. McDonald & Sons. RW also started McDonald Motors and RV Sales, Volkswood Sales and Service (manufactured homes) and Pinehurst Manor. He sold his car franchises in the late 1980's and then opened the Clearview Flea Market on the grounds of the former car dealership. RW's first love was roller skating, something he began when he was 13 years old. He worked as a professional skater and performed in the area during his teens. He continued skating throughout the years, and finally hung up his skates shortly after his 90th birthday. RW enjoyed flying his many aircraft, from helicopters to seaplanes. He loved boating and fishing with his family while visiting his homes on Lake Erie and Lake Chautauqua. RW was an avid duplicate bridge player. RW was also a charter member of Christ Community Methodist Church of Butler. In addition to his parents, RW was preceded in death by his first wife, Geraldine S. (Daugherty) McDonald; second wife, Jeanette (Deatrich Mechtly) McDonald; brothers, Jack R. and Rollin A.; sisters, Helen McDonald Kerr, Geraldine McDonald McKrell and Charlotte McDonald Tarr; and a stepdaughter. RW is survived by his daughter, Jill (Rhett) Walls; sons, Robert D. (Ann) McDonald, Lee (Norma) McDonald and Jan (Cathy) McDonald; 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. he is also survived by 3 stepdaughters and their families, nieces and nephews and by his companion of nearly 15 years, Mary Lou (Bloom) Sheldon. There will be no visitation. Funeral services will be private. www.youngfuneralhomes.com