Norman, OK - Richard William McDonald transitioned from this earthly life to his eternal home on Monday, March 9, 2026. He was born March 16, 1941, in Queens, Long Island, New York, to William Harry McDonald and Ethel Roberta Francis.

Richard attended the University of Oklahoma on a band scholarship, where he played the tuba in the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band until graduating in 1962. During his college years, he joined First Baptist Church in Norman. While singing in the choir, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Sherry Diane Rhodes. The two were married on November 24, 1962.

In the mid-1960s, the young couple lived in Ionia, Michigan, where Richard worked for Dow Chemical Company. In 1967, they returned to Norman where Richard went to work for his father-in-law, Cecil Rhodes, at Rhodes Grain Company. Richard's degree in chemistry provided a valuable asset to the business, which manufactured all types of livestock feed. After Cecil's passing, Richard managed "the Mill," as the family affectionately called it, until its closing in 2015.

Richard had many talents and hobbies that reflected both patience and creativity. Over the years, he photographed countless rehearsal dinners, weddings, and other precious family events. He was also an avid woodworker in his golden years. His favorite projects, however, were the ornate dollhouses he built for his beloved granddaughters.

Richard loved being a grandfather and was known as "Papa" to his grandchildren, He was a steady source of encouragement and pride. He played a special role in inspiring both of his grandsons to join their school bands, continuing his lifelong love of music.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and by his in-laws, Cecil and Mary Rhodes of Norman, Oklahoma.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Sherry Rhodes McDonald; his sons, David, John and wife Sandra, and Seth and wife Kara; grandchildren, Katelin, Addison, Charlie, and Jack McDonald; sisters, Irene Warning and Lorraine (Taylor) Steinberg; and sister-in-law Kathy Rhodes and husband Brad Quillen.

The family extends their profound gratitude to Elizabeth Hubbard, a dear family friend and caregiver, without whom we would have been lost in these difficult days.