Robert William “R.W.” McDonald

Robert William “R.W.” McDonald, 98, of Cabot, formerly of Butler, passed away on Wednesday at Concordia Lutheran Ministries.

He was born May 2, 1920, in Porter Township, Clarion County, and was a son of the late George B. and Florence M. (Stewart) McDonald.

R.W. and his family moved to Butler in 1929. With his parents' permission, he quit school with an eighth-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, R.W. went to work at the American Bantam car plant.

Beginning in 1945, R.W. started many successful businesses. The first was McDonald Plumbing and Heating, which became R.W. McDonald & Sons. R.W. also started McDonald Motors and RV Sales, Volkswood Sales and Service (manufactured homes) and Pinehurst Manor. He sold his car franchises in the late 1980s and then opened the Clearview Flea Market on the grounds of the former car dealership.

R.W.'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.

R.W. 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.

R.W. was an avid duplicate bridge player.

R.W. was a charter member of Christ Community Methodist Church of Butler.

R.W. is survived by his daughter, Jill (Rhett) Walls; his sons, Robert D. (Ann) McDonald, Lee (Norma) McDonald and Jan (Cathy) McDonald; nine grandchildren; and four great- grandchildren.

He also is survived by three stepdaughters and their families; his nieces and nephews; and by his companion of nearly 15 years, Mary Lou (Bloom) Sheldon.

In addition to his parents, R.W. was preceded in death by his first wife, Geraldine S. (Daugherty) McDonald; his second wife, Jeanette (Deatrich Mechtly) McDonald; his brothers, Jack R. and Rollin A.; his sisters, Helen McDonald Kerr, Geraldine McDonald McKrell and Charlotte McDonald Tarr; and a stepdaughter.

MCDONALD — There will be no visitation for Robert William “R.W.” McDonald, who died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018.Funeral services will be private.Arrangements were entrusted to Young Funeral Home of Butler.Please visit www.youngfuneralhomes.com.