More detail on this person: Lieutenant Colonel Donald George Mcdavid Lt. Col. Donald George McDavid Houston Chronicle (TX) - Friday, June 13, 2003 TX United States LT. COL. DONALD GEORGE MCDAVID (U.S. Army Ret.) passed away on June 11, 2003. He was born at Heights Hospital, Houston, Texas on Sept. 14, 1933, son of the late Homer G. and Constance Webb McDavid. Donald spent his childhood in the Houston Heights, graduating from Reagan High School Class of 1951. Commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army in 1955 through ROTC at the University of Texas, he returned in 1959 to complete and receive a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1959. He married his childhood church friend and high school sweetheart, Carolyn Gates McDavid, between their sophomore and junior years at the University of Texas on Sept. 5, 1953. Donald served 28 years active/reserve duty in the Army, retired Commander of the U.S. Army Flight Facility in Houston, and completed 35 years Department of Defense. After retirement, he enjoyed a brief career of offshore helicopter flying. Donald loved to fly. He had over 10,000 hours of flight time in fixed wing and helicopters. He held many ratings but his proudest was as Airline Transport Pilot and Master Army Aviator. He was an instrument examiner in Fixed Wing and Rotary Aircraft. A highly decorated Vietnam Veteran, he flew 600 missions there with 26 air medals. Besides aviation, he knew so much about the shipping and railroad industries, both past and present. Donald was a fighter against all adversities. He loved to travel and had been all over the world but he had a special love for the Texas Hill Country. With One of his favorite hats on, he was always packed and ready for the next trip. A lifelong Methodist, he faithfully served and had leadership roles in all churches he belonged to. He was a member of the St. Matthews United Methodist Church, St. Matthews United Methodist Men, Chapel Sunday School Class, the Sierra Club, National and State Democratic Party, Vietnam Pilot Assoc. and many other organizations. He was also Vice President of Lake Buchanan Industries, Inc. An adventuresome, thoughtful, optimistic, logical and organized person, he acquired deep knowledge to support any opinion he held. He was a proud and loving husband, Daddy and Granddaddy. Predeceased by his parents and brother Raymond, Donald is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Carolyn Gates McDavid, and four children: Donald G. McDavid, Jr. and wife Georgia, granddaughters Katie and Lindley of Rosehill, TX; son Mark S. McDavid of Houston; son Michael J. McDavid of Buchanan Dam, TX; daughter Elizabeth L. Hodges and husband David and granddaughter Meagan of Pearland, TX; Aunt Beatrice Semlinger of Kingsland, TX; sister-in-law Mary Crawford of Houston, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and friends. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8pm on Friday, June 13, at Pat. H. Foley Funeral Home, 1200 W. 34th St. Services will be held at 11:00am, on Saturday, June 14, at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. in Houston, with burial following at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Building Fund or United Methodist Men's Scholarship Fund at St. Matthews UMC.
Burial information: Forest Park Cemetery, Houston, TX
This information was last updated 07/12/2019
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Date posted on this site: 01/11/2025
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