Robert Roy McDonald, age 98, passed away peacefully with family on November

9, 2023 at Regency Canyon Lakes in Kennewick, Washington. He was born in

Mogollon, New Mexico on December 6, 1924 to Alexander and Ida McDonald, one

of 10 children. Raised by his grandmother and Uncle on his father's side, from the

age of 4, until entering the service at age 17.

He was a sophomore at Silver City High School, Grant County New Mexico when

World War II broke out on December 7, 1941. He immediately entered the US

Navy on December 22, 1941. During WWII, he served aboard the USS

Northampton Cruiser CA 26, two tours in the Aleutian Islands aboard the USS

Indianapolis, Cruiser CA35, USS Welles DD 628. He served in the South Pacific and

Aleutian Islands, from New Guinea to Philippine Liberation and Okinawa. After

the war, he served aboard the USS Chicago, Cruise CA 136, on Japanese

Occupation duty.

In 1949 he enlisted in the US Army, serving in the Korean War. He participated in

Inchon Invasion with the 15th AAA AW bn, attached to 7

th

Infantry Division, 17

th

Regiment. He was among the first units to make it to the Yalu River, North Korea,

until evacuated to Port of Hamhung. After Korea he was assigned to Camp

Hanford from 1951-1959. Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, 1959-1964. Spangdahlem

and Bitburg, Germany in a Nike Hercules Missile Unit. He retired from active duty

after 24 years of Military service, 15 years of it as a First Sergeant, and proud of it.

He retired in July of 1966, and returned to Pasco. He was employed at the Pasco

Post Office, then a Deputy Sheriff for Franklin County for 12 years, Pasco Airport

Police Office 1978-1986. Retiring for the third time in 1986, culminating in 20

years of Public Service to County and State of Washington.

Shortly after the war on September 7,1945, while in the US Navy, he married his

childhood school mate, Mary Margaret Portillo. Together they had 5 children and

were married 67 years.

He attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church since 1966 and was a 4

th Degree Member

of Knights of Columbus and Honor Guard. Also a lifetime member of the VFW,

Washington Police and Deputy Sheriff's Association, Retired Enlisted Association.

He will be remembered as a dedicated Navy Gunners mate and 1

st Sgt., he loved

fishing, camping, gardening and pet doggies.

He is survived by four children: daughter Nancy Trom of Oak Park, California,

daughter Bobbie and husband Carl Littrell of Kennewick, Washington. Son, James

McDonald and wife Yong of Yuma Arizona, and John McDonald of Auckland, New

Zealand. 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews

and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Mary, daughter

Mary Beth McDonald, son in law Joe Trom, and brothers Alex, Edward, Ted, Ben,

Jimmy, Jackie and sister Frances.

Viewing will be held Wednesday, November 15th

from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at

Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, with the funeral services on November 16,

2023 at 10:00am at the Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Desert Lawn

Memorial Park