09/19/2018
Roger “Rocky” McDonald was born Aug 2, 1943, in Knoxville, Iowa. His parents were Clara and Raymond McDonald.
Rocky lived on his parent’s farm south of Knoxville while growing up. He attended Scott Valley Country School and when it closed he attended Knoxville Schools.
He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17; promising his mom he would finish high school in the Army. He was stationed in Thailand and Hawaii and was transported to other areas. Rocky finished his tour of duty in 1964 with an honorable discharge. After coming home, he went to work for a company that built the bridges near Hartford and Carlisle. He then went to work at Maytag Co., in Newton, where he worked 27 ½ years. In 1969 Rocky married the love of his life, Nancy Lanphier and they shared 49 ½ years together. Two children were born to this union, Staci and Brett.
Rocky loved his family. He may have been the toughest guy in Marion County when he was younger, but to his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids he was a very tender-hearted man and was loved so very much.
Rocky loved to look in junk stores and collected Hot Wheels, Matchbox and other unique cars. He had a cap collection of over 300. He also collected pocket knives and hunting knives. Rocky also made canes and walking sticks and gave them to anyone in need.
Rocky didn’t like getting old. He passed away Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He had open-heart surgery on August 30 and never really recovered.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Nancy; daughter, Staci (Erwin); son, Brett; grandchildren, Shane (Chelsea), Katelyn and Brady; great-grandchildren, Clara, Maverick and Bentley; brothers, Denny (Colleen) and Steve (Donna); mother-in-law, Sabra Lanphier; brother-in-law, Bill (Christy) Lanphier and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Clara McDonald and his father-in-law, Bill Lanphier.
Funeral Service
Bybee & Davis Funeral Home – Knoxville, Iowa
Monday, September 24, 2018, at 2:00 p.m.
Pastor David Woodcock, Officiating
Musical Selections
“Lead Me Home”
“If Heaven Wasn’t so far Away”
“Rodeo Road”
“What do I do with Me”
“That’s my Job”
Casket Bearers
Bill Hatch, Steve Hatch
Roy Bebee, Alfred Anderson
Gary Cowman, Dick Reed
Honorary Casket Bearers
Shane Sanders Brady Sanders
Jim Ellis Al Foster
Denny Miller Ladd Montegna
Larry Nicholson Charlie Brooks
Interment
Graceland Cemetery – Knoxville, Iowa
Military Honors accorded by the United States Army, the American Legion Baty-Tucker Post No. 168 & the V.F.W. John Myers Post No. 3519.
Rocky’s family welcomes relatives and friends to a coffee time at the Knoxville Rural Fire Department following the burial. Please be reminded to not park in the fire station parking lot.