Thomas C. Mcdonald

Thomas C. McDonald, 82, of Danville, passed away peacefully at home at 11:30 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2006, following a long, courageous battle with Kennedys Disease. He was born August 27, 1923 in Danville, the son of Thomas Scott and Veva Alice Hodge McDonald. He married Rosemary Jones June 12, 1954 in Danville. She died October 21, 2001. Survivors include two sons, Steven (Leanne) McDonald of Danville and Brian (Amy) of Indianapolis, IN; three granddaughters, Brooke McDonald of Danville, Riley and Tierney McDonald of Indianapolis; and one grandson, Mason McDonald of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son James and brother, Rolla McDonald, Also surviving are three special friends, Esther Hendrickson of Catlin and Monie and Bud Logan of Danville. Thomas graduated from Danville High School where he was Co-Valedictorian, Best Boy Citizen, Medley Editor, and Big 12 Tennis Singles Champion. He was awarded a bachelors degree from DePauw University and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Northwestern University. Thomas served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Armed Forces during World War II. He joined the Caterpillar Club for emergency parachute jumps when, with no previous training or experience, he was forced at night to bail out of a burning plane which crashed near Aurora, IL. He was active in St. James Methodist Church, for many years serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Church League Basketball Coach, Superintendent, and Chairman of the Commission of Education. He also coached Little League Baseball. Thomas was a co-founder of the Danville Tennis Club and was elected to the Danville Tennis Club Hall of Fame. He won six Danville City Mens Singles Championships and many Doubles Championships. He was active in the United Fund Drives and served as Chairman of the Board of Direction of the Danville YMCA. His career included owning his own firm, specializing in financial planning, real estate investment and property management. Thomas was a kind, gentle, determined man who loved his family and enjoyed reading the Bible daily.