Emil McDonald, Jr

Avoca - Emil G. McDonald, Jr., 71, died Saturday, May 10, 2008, after a long illness. He was born to the late Emil G. McDonald, Sr and Cora (McCoy) McDonald on September 23, 1936, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI and has lived in this area for the past 40 years. His first wife, Janice Rehbine McDonald died in 1982. He married Charlotte E. (Herron) Boyne on March 12, 1988.

Emil was a graduate of Southfield High School and the University of Miami. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1953. He graduated from Officers Candidate School and eventually obtained the rank of Lt. Colonel. Emil spent 42 years in the military and saw duty as Director at the National Defense University in combination with the National War College and Industrial College. He was a member of the Command General Staff and Battalion Commander of the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell.

He retired from his career as a management consultant in Detroit in 1998. He also worked for J. L. Hudson Co. in human resources for many years.

He was a Master Mason and member of the Port Huron Lodge #58, F&AM. He was a member of Scottish Rite, Valley of Detroit serving as Most Wise Master of Rose Croix and Commander-in-Chief of Consistory. He received his 33rd degree in 1990. He belonged to Knights Templar, Detroit #1 serving as Past Commander. He was currently serving as Puissant Sovereign of Red Cross of Constantine. He belonged to Moslem Shrine serving as Drum Major of the Highlander Pipe and Drum unit, leading many parades in the Detroit area. He belonged to the Order of Orange.

He was a proud member of A.A., serving many individuals as mentor and sponsor for many years.

Emil is survived by his wife Charlotte of Kimball; daughters, Brenda Tollett of Lexington, KY and Laura Rehbein of Tampa FL; step-daughters, Celeste (Michael) Ingersoll of Las Vegas, NV, Heather (Chris) Hensley of Fostoria, MI and Shannon Boyne of Traverse City; grandchildren, Dallas, Tyler, Elizabeth, Sara, Wyatt and Sydney; brother, James McDonald of West Bloomfield.

Funeral services will be 11 a..m. Saturday at Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. The Rev. Max Amstutz will officiate. Burial will follow in Ruby Cemetery.

Visiting hours are 4-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation.