Dateline: Alton

Mark Robert McDonald, 68, died at 4:05 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2016, at
Alton Memorial Hospital.  Born October 27, 1947, in Alton, he was the son of Robert and Mary (Schulz) McDonald.  Mark graduated from Alton High School in 1966 and attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  He served in the U. S. Navy and was a Seabee.  He spent 45 years operating heavy equipment and was a proud member of Employer and Operating Engineers Local 520, retiring in July, 2014.  He enjoyed golfing, music, cars, boating, and loved being on the river.  On September 28, 1985, he married the former Patricia Marie Meyer in Alton.  She survives.  Also surviving is a sister and brother-in-law Diane and Mike Osterman of San Antonio, TX; five brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law:  Russ and Carolyn Meyer of Alton, Richard and Connie Meyer of St. Charles, MO, Steven Meyer of Yuma, AZ,
Geralyn Weil and Tom Suciu of Yuma, AZ, Ron and Shanmei Meyer of Baltimore, MD.  He is also survived by an aunt Mary Naaktgeboren of Alton, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and a special friend Joe Scyoc who was always there for Mark and his family.
Mark truly enjoyed life and brought a smile or laugh to all who knew him.  He enjoyed being able to help people. Services will be on Friday, February 12, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton.  Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Alton.  A Celebration of Life will follow at Spencer T. Olin Golf Course.  Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross or to a charity of choice.  Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com .