Arturo Americo McDonald Sr.

Arturo Americo McDonald Sr.

Arturo Americo McDonald Sr., 85, devoted and much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, entered into eternal rest Wednesday March 27, 2019 in Los Fresnos with his family by his side.

He was born in Harlingen, Texas to Rudolfo and Hortencia McDonald, and was raised in San Benito, Texas with his adoptive parents, Manuel and Librada Maza.

He is preceded into eternal rest by his parents, sister Gloria Bowery and brother Anibal McDonald.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Irma S. McDonald. He will be extremely missed by his children, Diana Napier (Dave), Judge Arturo A. McDonald Jr. (Sandy), Deborah A. Walk (Larry), 8 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.  Sister Maria McDonald Weaver, brothers Sergio Medina and Alberto McDonald. And numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and many close friends.  He will live on through all the treasured memories he has left us.

His integrity, determination and hard work ethics, took him from   age of 6, shining shoes to an Assistant Superintendent within the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD).  Upon his retirement from BISD, he immediately was recruited by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, as Regional Director of Education Rehabilitation.

He attended San Benito schools, where he left early to serve his country with the United States Marine Corp. His achievements during his time in the service was earning his GED, a member in the Marine Corp boxing team, climbing Mt. Fuji in Japan, and being very proud he had made it in two days, and climbing Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima.  He furthered his education at Texas Southmost College. Where he flourished as President of Student Affairs and was elected “Most Handsome”. Attended the University of Texas in Austin and subsequently earned a bachelor’s and Master’s in School Administration from Texas A&I University Kingsville.  He served Fellowship Leadership training at the University of New York City, University of New York State in Albany, University of Wyoming, and the University of Tulsa Oklahoma State.

Early in his career, he worked with BISD as a coach at Ebony Heights Elementary, left the district to assist in organizing the initial drive to create the Brownsville Boys Club, where he eventually became the first Executive Director.  He then was lured back to BISD as the Adult Education Director, a rewarding position, assisting and mentoring students through their GED journey.  This position came with special achievements: serving as President and Treasurer for the National Association of Adult Educators.  Was honored as the first President of the Texas Association of Adult Educators. Promoting education was one of his many priorities in life.

In retirement, he enjoyed being with his family, traveling, playing golf, where he once bragged that he, ” beat all the senior members of the Brownsville PAGA Senior Club at least once!â€.

His most enjoyable activity in retirement was his camaraderie with his fellow veterans at the VFW.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, March 31, 2019 from 2 to 5 PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home with a chapel service at 3 PM and military honors provided by VFW Post 2035 at 4 PM. Interment will be on April 1, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, 2520 S. Inspiration Rd. in Mission, Texas.

The family requests that in lieu of floral arrangements that a donation in his honor be sent to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1801 Veterans Blvd. Brownsville, Texas.

“You left us beautiful memories,

your love is still our guide,

and though we cannot see you,

you are always at our side.”

15 Comments

  • Vanessa Boyd Posted March 29, 2019 5:03 pm

    A wonderful Grandpa. The most precious soul I have ever come across. I’m absolutely proud to be his grandaughter. Forever In my heart Viejo mio. Como tu no ay otro. A True legend. ~Vanessa

  • Ernest Gorena Sr. Family Posted March 29, 2019 7:42 pm

    One day we will meet again Mr. Mack, but the Gorena family will never forget your friendship and love for our family! You leave us with many beautiful memories and a appreciation for a man that never said no and feared no obstacle! God Bless you Art and your beautiful family, we will see you again one day and reminisce about our lives as friends! Love You!

  • Raul G. ORTIZ Posted March 29, 2019 8:17 pm

    My deepest sympathy to you and your family I will always cherish my memories of your father All our prayers go out to you and your family.

    Raul G. Ortiz

  • Raquel and Henry Ybarra Posted March 30, 2019 8:17 am

    Our deepest condolences to Irma and Arturo’s children. He was a wonderful friend. I will always be grateful for introducing me to my husband, Henry. He also was instrumental in helping me advance in my career with BISD. He was Henry’s childhood friend in San Benito and he treasures many awesome memories. Our heart and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May the grace and peace of God and Arturo’s love and deeds live on within you forever and bring you comfort. Blessings! Love, Henry and Raquel Ybarra

  • Manuel Ortiz Posted March 30, 2019 11:35 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Love and blessings. Manny and Inez Ortiz

  • Vickie Reyes Posted March 30, 2019 6:07 pm

    He will be greatly missed. Frank and Vickie Patrick.

  • Bitty Truan Posted March 31, 2019 12:17 pm

    Art was a great man and a gentleman. My late husband George and I loved and respected him so much. We both worked with him in Adult Education and knew of his passion for the student’s success. May he Rest In Peace.

  • Perl Garcia Posted March 31, 2019 12:35 pm

    Met Mr. McDonald when I was a student at TSC. Where he inspired us “not to forget that our eduction was the key to our success”. He truly cared about our education. The community has lost a wonderful gentleman. May our Lord have him in his arms blessing him for the man he was. May he Rest In Peace.

  • Javier Barron Posted March 31, 2019 1:16 pm

    Our condolence to the entire family. RIP Art.

  • Julie Arellano Posted March 31, 2019 4:14 pm

    My most sincere condolences to all of you. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. McDonald while working for BISD myself. May he RIP.

  • Paulo Soto Posted April 1, 2019 1:45 am

    It was my pleasure to have known Arturo for many years; will miss his humor and witticisms….Semper Fi, Art.

  • Ernie Villarreal III Posted April 1, 2019 11:12 am

    I remember him as head of the boys club. As I kid me and my brothers attended. I remember asking him…what is the boys club about?He said. Boys come here to have fun but more important to become good men and the leaders of the future. RIP Mr McDonald. Condolences to the McDonald family. God bless.

  • Bob & Bertha Garza Posted April 1, 2019 12:39 pm

    Whether having a beer at the VFW or playing a round of golf with the guys, watching your funny arguments with Mike, or just listening to you; these were great times that will not be forgotten. May you Rest In Peace my friend. Our condolences to the McDonald family.

  • Henry G. Kenneson, Jr Posted April 1, 2019 4:30 pm

    Sorry to not be able to pay my respects in person. I will remember Art for the good times we had together.
    Henry K.

  • Sylvia S. Gonzalez Posted April 1, 2019 5:56 pm

    Mrs. Irma Sailnas McDonald, my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. McDonald. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. I’ll
    always remember him, since he was my first boss at the GED Office ( Adult Education) on Grant Street.
    God bless you all.

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