John Anthony McDonald

John Anthony McDonald was the eldest son of John Clay and Elizabeth Carida McDonald. John was born April 25, 1938, in Dallas, TX, his home for some 60 years. John attended schools in Grapevine, Dallas and Denton, Texas, graduating from Denton High School. John married Mary Elizabeth Reiser in 1961. Mary pre-deceased John in 2007. John completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Arlington (now UT Arlington), all as a night school student while working full-time.

John and Mary lived in Dallas for most of their married life, relocating to Rancho Cucamonga, CA in the late 1990s.

John married Nina Booth Howell on May 11, 2010. Their love was special, that of two long-time friends who were able to marry somewhat late in life. Nina made John happy in a way he never expected…a true friend, companion and love that blossomed and grew as they continued to enjoy married life together. John and Nina resided in Rancho Cucamonga until 2019 when the pull of Texas called them to Cleburne, TX where they were living when he died May 2, 2025. John was always a proud Texan with family roots dating back to the mid-1800s.

John had a passion for cars all of his life. He was a backyard mechanic with his brother Pat during their high school years, lifting the hoods of their 1956 and 1957 Chevys with many other friends in the back yard of the house on Locust Street. It was a passion that he maintained in one way or another throughout his life, including many years as a Firestone store manager ultimately owning his own store in Richardson, TX. His Firestone career was followed by development of his own company, an automobile relocation service that included contracts with large companies needing assistance with employee relocations, vehicle manufacturers needing relocation of larger vehicles (trucks) and other ventures. John was always on the hunt for a new enterprise and engaged with all sorts of businesses.

During his five years in Cleburne John made many friends. He absolutely loved living in Cleburne, the smallish town with friendly people who made him feel at home. He was known and loved by so very many in the area, spending hours exploring every road and street, meeting and making new friends. He was the sweet little friendly man around town everyone loved. John loved chatting with people, no matter their station in life and telling silly jokes, many times rather badly.

Although John had no children of his own, he had two step-children, Anthony Robert Mayfield of Harlingen, TX and Sherri Ann Garcia of San Benito, TX. Also, Jake Frazier of Cleburne, whom he called his adopted son. He loved Jake dearly! John loved people and had many close, loving friendships. He was lucky that way!

John’s two brothers, James Patrick “Pat” and Joseph Robert “Bobby” pre-deceased him. His sister Mary Kathleen McDonald Swartz will miss his phone calls, chats about family, life and the off-key happy birthday songs. John also has four nephews, James (Jamie), Robert (Robbie), Sean (died November 2, 2024) and Stephen; two nieces, Lysa McDonald Wolfe and Mary Catherine (Cathy) McDonald.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 1 PM, with interment following at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17, in the Mausoleum Chapel, Calvary Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, TX 75220.

Nina will welcome attendees and visitors at home in Cleburne from 5-7 PM following the service.

John has made his last ride…happy trails to one of a kind. We love you and will miss you always.