Larry L. McDonald

Larry L. McDonald, 78, entered eternity of June 4, 2024 with his family by his side. Larry was born on May 14, 1946 in Detroit, MI to the late C. Lynn and Opal (Lees) McDonald. He graduated from Dearborn High School in 1964 and then attended Henry Ford Community College. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on December 5, 1965. On March 18, 1967 Larry married the incredible love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” May in La Mirada, California. Larry proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed for one year with the 3rd Marine Air Wing, El Toro, CA and two years at Marine Barracks at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was in the United States Marine Corps Band playing trombone while marching and French Horn in concert. Following military service, he worked at AAA as a claim representative for 38 years; 10 years in Dearborn and then 28 in Traverse City. Larry was a member of East Bay Calvary Church. He enjoyed being a youth group leader for 13 years. Larry loved God the Father and Jesus Christ. It was not about religion, but a relationship. It was Larry’s trust in Jesus as his savior that made wonderful positive changes in him from the inside out. At East Bay Calvary in Traverse City, Larry found he enjoyed acting in the Christmas Dessert Theater for eight years. Following that he directed five of the musicals. He made wonderful friends at East Bay Calvary that he will be spending eternity with. His trust in God allowed him to not worry about anything. One of Larry’s greatest pleasures was playing golf with his sons Michael, Mark, Pat and dear friends Bob, Dave and Dan Kerul. Larry is survived by his wife Betty; son Rev. Michael (Jackie) McDonald of Bancroft, MI and their children Matthew (Olivia), Mandy, David; son Mark (Kristen) McDonald of Traverse City and their children Nate (Katie), Mariah and Max; son Pat (Amy) McDonald of Traverse City and their children Haley and Marty. Also surviving are his brother Myron (Yolanda) McDonald and son Todd of Rochester Hills, MI; best friends Bob and Paula Kerul of Mentor, OH. Preceding Larry’s passing was nephew Curt McDonald who will be showing Larry around the heavenly places. Larry borrowed this saying “I’m not dead. I’m more alive now than ever with my savior Jesus”. The memorial service celebrating Larry’s life will take place on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning one hour prior at East Bay Calvary Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Betty McDonald. Envelopes will be available at the church. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with his family.

Larry L. McDonald

May 14, 1946 - June 4, 2024