Patricia Ann McDonald

Patricia Ann McDonald was born October 14, 1935 to Donald O. Leonard, Sr. & Velma (Bohner) Leonard.  She grew up in St. Louis and met the love of her life, Gary McDonald, while working in a confectionary in St. Louis.  They were married on February 19, 1954 at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.  Gary’s service in the Air Force took his family all over the United States including Virginia, Texas, North Carolina as well as living two years in Japan.  Patricia carried the responsibility for caring for the family while Gary was serving his country in Vietnam and Greenland.  She also served at various Air Force base education centers helping servicemen and veterans with continuing education and course credit.

Patricia and Gary moved to Rockaway Beach in 1978 from North Carolina.  Patricia worked as a tax preparer and she and Gary partnered together running Pat’s Tax Service.  They also partnered together in square dancing, do-si-doing for over 20 years, traveling and earning badges for their dancing.

Patricia will be remembered for her love of life and love of her family.  She was the best mom ever.  She loved being a grandmother, spoiling her grandchildren and she taught all her grandchildren how to swim in Table Rock Lake. She also loved boating on the lake.  Patricia enjoyed traveling, crocheting and reading which was one of her greatest passions.  She loved Christmas and got to portray Mrs. Claus at community events in Rockaway Beach.   Her presence will be greatly missed but she leaves beautiful, treasured memories and a legacy of love.

Patricia entered into rest on Monday, November 8, 2021 at her home in Rockaway Beach at the age of 86.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald Leonard, Jr.; sisters Betty Baker and Shirley Joos-Jones.

She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Gary McDonald, Sr. of Rockaway Beach; sons, Gary McDonald Jr. and wife Carla of Rockaway Beach, Robert McDonald and wife Marlena of Branson; daughter, Deborah Byrne and husband William of Surprise, AZ; brother, Denny Leonard and wife Arlene of St. Louis, MO; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Services will be Monday, November 22, 2021 with visitation at 12:00 PM and a memorial service at 1:00 PM in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.  Interment will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield at 3:00 PM.

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