James Russell  (J.R.) McDonald,84, of Silex, MO, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023 at SSM- St. Charles, MO. He was born on October 23, 1939 in Silex, MO to Russell and Irene ( Shepherd) McDonald.  J.R. attended the local schools with his siblings in a two room schoolhouse (Copper Springs) and graduated from Silex High School. He and Marilyn (Parsons) were introduced by mutual friends and were united in marriage on April 4, 1964 at Olney Baptist Church. To this union were born; Kenneth, Brian, Dale and Dean. J.R. was a life long farmer and often worked from sun up until sun down. The McDonald Family was awarded "Lincoln County Farm Family in 1982".He loved fish fries with family, raising sweet corn and later in life he enjoyed taking his dad's truck to parades and truck shows. J.R. was a member and Deacon of Indian Creek Baptist Church and was a member of Silex School Board for 13 years.He loved people, especially his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. J.R. is described by his family as " gentle, kind and loving". He will be sadly missed and long remembered by all those who knew and loved him.

J.R. is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Marilyn McDonald of Silex, MO, children; Kenneth J. and wife Laura McDonald of Silex, MO, Brian Douglas and wife Theresa McDonald of Rocheport, MO, Dale Aaron and wife Andrea McDonald of Silex, MO, Dean Andrew and wife Melinda McDonald of Troy, MO, grandchildren; Alan,( Lianna), Sam  and Kate McDonald, Zack McDonald and Sara (Jonathan) Steigelman, Faith, Ryan and Selah McDonald, Kadin and Kaleb McDonald, great-grandchildren; Annabelle, Lucy and Wren, sister; Rita McDonald of Jefferson City, MO, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two siblings, Maureen Momphard and Norma Beckemeier and his grandson, Adam McDonald.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from  9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.  at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1304 Boone Street, Troy, MO, 63379, 636-528-8244.

A Funeral service will also be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at  1:30 p.m., at the funeral home in Troy, MO. Rev. Bob Feeler to officiate.

Interment to follow in the Olney Cemetery, Olney, MO. Pastor Judah Marx to officiate.

Family and Friends may sign the online guest book @www.mccoyblossomfh.com