Terry McDonald
courtesy photo
Terry McDonald
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI — Terry Joseph McDonald died at his home in Columbia, Missouri, on Friday, July 1, 2021. Terry was born in Missoula on Feb. 25, 1955. He was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe located in western Montana.
Terry attended Montana schools at Hamilton, Missoula, Havre, and Ronan. While in high school he was active in sports. He was an all-conference football player and a wrestler.
Following high school, Terry joined the Navy and became a nuclear specialist. He did nuclear training at Chicago, Idaho Falls, and San Francisco. While doing the training he married Paula Camel of Ronan. Together they had two daughters, Carma and Angela. They lived in San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and San Diego. Terry served on a light atomic powered cruiser that would go on 90,000 mile cruises. His ship participated in the Iranian Hostage Crisis and in rescuing Vietnam Boat People. He left the Navy after 10 years of service and put his nuclear mechanic knowledge and skills to work at the American Union Electric power plant. He and his family made their home in Columbia, Missouri.
While living in Columbia he became an avid Missouri Tiger football fan. He had a specially designed tailgating trailer and enjoyed tailgating with his friends and buddies from “the plant.” He attended Columbia College in late afternoons and evenings and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Terry had a passion for golf and for fishing and was good at both sports.
In 2018 he was forced to retire from work for medical reasons. His health continued to decline until his death.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Paula, and his mother, Sherri. He is survived by his daughters, Carma (husband Tony Bushnell) and Angela (significant other, Alex Fliss); his grandsons, Jaden Torbet and Sam Bushnell; his granddaughter, Sophie Bushnell; his father, Joe McDonald, and his brothers, Tim and Tom McDonald (wife Teresa) and sister Tracie. He is also survived by seven nieces and nephews and six grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Aug. 8, 2021, from 4-6 p.m. at the home of Joe McDonald, 327 Eighth Ave. NW, Ronan, MT 59864.
A welcome goes out to all friends and family. Come casual. Terry loved wearing his Mizzou gear or T-shirts from his favorite places. Terry’s ashes will be buried next to his wife, Paula, at the Ronan Cemetery, 46727 N. Foothills Dr., Ronan, MT 59864, on Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. He will receive full military honors by the Salish Honor Guard. Burial is open to all friends and family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, Missouri, 65203. (Ph. 573-449-4153). Condolences may be left online for the family at: www.parkermillard.com
