Obituary: The Urbana Citizen November 2007

Joseph Charles "Chuck" McDonald, 90, born November 28, 1916 in Champaign County, Ohio, to Joseph Marshall and Lucy Williams McDonald went to be with his heavenly father Octoner 30, 2007.

Preceded in death by his brothers John, Robert, and his sister, Ruth Pfaff. One surviving brother, Eugene McDonald of Baytown, Texas.

Charles was married to Geraldine Mansfield on October 8, 1947. While honeymooning in California, they decided to stay, making their home in Hermosa Beach. After 28 years of marriage, his loving wife passed away from a long battle with cancer.

Charles was well known around town for his 1955 candy apple red T-Bird. He frequented the Mermaid Restaurant and the Hermosa Saloon. He had an abundance of friends that are saddened by his parting. He had worked for the aerospace industries for many years and bartended for 20 years at Berks Cafe in Englewood, California. He was small in stature, but his heart and kindness was overwhelming to whomever he met. He was known as the Captain among his friends. He enlisted in the US Army in October 1941. He fought battles in Algeria - French Morocca and in Tunisia. He was taken prisoner in Africa and spent 27 months as a POW. He escaped the day the war ended and was recaptured. He was given an honorable discharge and returned to the states on June 12, 1945. He was decorated with the POW Medal; Victory Medal; Good Conduct Medal; AMerican Defense Medal; Combat Infantryman Medal; 1st Award Medal; and a Campaign Medal. He received his Bronze Star 58 years later at a ceremony in 2003 given by a friend at the Mermaid Restaurant in Hermose Beach. He was pinned by Col. Richard G. Thompson. He was a very sweet person and is missed by many.

He is survived by his brother Eugene McDonald, abd many cousins, nieces, and nephews in Texas and Ohio.

Thank you Charles for helping to secure our freedom

Charles McDonald