LAST RITES FOR GEO. MCDONALD
The Methodist Church at Optima was filled to capacity Friday afternoon after friends gathered to participate in the last rites for George McDonald, as a tribute to his splendid life, and in respect for his fine character. A sextet composed of Adrian Rea, Reggie Frank, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Holt, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Durst sang with beautifully splendid voices a favorite song of the deceased, "That Beautiful Home," and "Meet Me There," "That Beautiful Land," "Going Down the Valley," and "Rock of Ages." Pall bearers were C. J. Calvert, Lloyd Gregg, Vernon Zbinden, Carl Gebhart, and Henry Ansley.
The kind words of the Rev. W. H. Ellis brought peace and comfort to the hearts of the sorrowing ones both in the service at the church and the prayer at the home, together with the song, "Abide With Me," tenderly sung by the sextet.
Mr. McDonald was laid to rest in the Guymon Cemetery, leaving evidences and influences of a Christian life, and years of sacrifice and kindness, to his loved ones.
George Monroe McDonald, son of R. L. and Elizabeth Larremore McDonald, was born in Gillespie County, Texas on December 18, 1872 and finally passed from this life December 4, 1934, age 61 years, 11 months, and 14 days.
Moving with his parents, when a lad of eleven to Seven Rivers, New Mexico, he grew to manhood. Born on the frontier, he has always known the rugged life of the frontier. As a young man he entered the cattle business and continued this for some years.
His mother preceded him in death, November 17, 1903. His father, a much loved character of this community, passed away February 10, 1929. On June 22, 1898, he was married to Miss Donnie Sassin. To this sacred union God gave five children, one daughter and four sons. One son, Clarence, met a tragic death, September 30, 1929.
The family moved to Texas County, Oklahoma in May 1919, settling near Optima, Oklahoma, where they have since resided.
Death came quickly, and as he would hae chosen, while busy at work as foreman of the construction crew, at the Wright Lake, west of Optima. He was a loyal and devoted husband; a kind loving father; and a true and appreciative friend and neighbor. To know him was to love him. His happy jovial disposition, made him a friend to all, and his passing marks a very distinct loss to our community.
Those who will cherish his memory include the sorrowing wife; one daughter, Mrs. Grace Knowles and family, of Guymon, Oklahoma; three sons, Ralph and wife of Optima; Clifford and wife of Hooker, Oklahoma; and Gerald and family of Guymon, Oklahoma; three brothers, Walter McDonald and family of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Martin McDonald and family of Gila, New Mexico, Archie McDonald and family of Vaughn, New Mexico; one sister, Mrs. Ellie Cole and family of Munster, Texas; six grandchildren, and a host of friends join with these in their sorrow.
Living for those, God gave to his care, loving weith love that was thoughtful and rare. Toiling, that never his broad shoulders be bare, sharing whatever God gave him to share. Never afraid of the wind or the cold. Happy in spirit, courageous, and bold. Helping with gladness, the needy and old. Rich in those virtues, not measured by gold. Accepted, unflinching, the dread hand of fate. Never believed it was wholesome to hate. Deeply in love with his flock and his mate. Youthful, regardless of calendar's date. A lover of music, delighted in song. Singing and working the whole day long. Sturdy for justice, not willing that wrong. Should injure his dear ones, while he was so strong. Slipped away in a dear quiet way, never a word or phrase did he say. Gone to his rest, but not far away, a toiler, who tolled til the close of his day.