1923
Donald
2015
Donald McGinness
January 26, 1923 — March 22, 2015
Harlingen, TX:
Donald McGinness passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2015, in Harlingen, Texas. Donald was born on Jan. 26, 1923 to George H. McGinness and Luella Sproal in McKees Rocks, PA. He attended and graduated from Stowe High School in June 1941.
Donald served his country in the Army Air Corps and was in the 7th Air Force in the Pacific Theater for two and a half years. Donald’s talent as an advanced radio operator landed him on several islands in the Philippines chain, including Mindanao and Tarawa.
Donald met the love of his life, Lorece R. “Pinky” McGinness, while stationed at Hickam Field, Oahu, Hawaii. They were married in the Post Chapel at Fort Kamehameha, Oahu, Hawaii, on July 21, 1945. They were married for 58 years until her passing on March 26, 2004.
Donald and Lorece lived in Pennsylvania and Ohio where he had family. Donald was in coal mining operations and was a dragline operator for many years. His family continues to run mining operations in the area to this day.
Don met his mother-in-law, Ethel Zamponi (Weatherly), for the first time after moving to Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley in 1954.
Don began business in Harlingen running the Little Creek Magnolia gas station. Don also owned and managed Valley Marine, a full-service boat and motorcycle business for many years. Don also spent several years in specialty advertising working with Mayo Advertising.
Donald, a lifelong Elk, was a proud member of the Harlingen Elks Lodge #1889, a member of VFW Post 2410 of San Benito and American Legion Post #205, in Harlingen. Donald was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Harlingen for many years.
Donald is survived by his son, Denis of Smithville, TX, and grandson Aaron, of Austin, and granddaughter Angela Sothman-McGinness of McKinney. Don’s first son, Ronald McGinness, passed away in September 2005. Don had two brothers and three sisters, all dearly loved, all of who preceded him in death. Numerous nieces and nephews survive him.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2015 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services for Donald are scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 11:00 AM, at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home. Burial will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Harlingen Elks Lodge #1889 or the Humane Society of Harlingen.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Mr. Don "Chief" Boykin for his thoughtful assistance and guidance during this time. Also, the family thanks J. Richard Hartsfield, pastor, and the congregation of New Hope Presbyterian Church of La Feria. The family also recognizes and is grateful for members of the Harlingen Elks Lodge#1889.
Donald McGinness passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2015, in Harlingen, Texas. Donald was born on Jan. 26, 1923 to George H. McGinness and Luella Sproal in McKees Rocks, PA. He attended and graduated from Stowe High School in June 1941.
Donald served his country in the Army Air Corps and was in the 7th Air Force in the Pacific Theater for two and a half years. Donald’s talent as an advanced radio operator landed him on several islands in the Philippines chain, including Mindanao and Tarawa.
Donald met the love of his life, Lorece R. “Pinky” McGinness, while stationed at Hickam Field, Oahu, Hawaii. They were married in the Post Chapel at Fort Kamehameha, Oahu, Hawaii, on July 21, 1945. They were married for 58 years until her passing on March 26, 2004.
Donald and Lorece lived in Pennsylvania and Ohio where he had family. Donald was in coal mining operations and was a dragline operator for many years. His family continues to run mining operations in the area to this day.
Don met his mother-in-law, Ethel Zamponi (Weatherly), for the first time after moving to Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley in 1954.
Don began business in Harlingen running the Little Creek Magnolia gas station. Don also owned and managed Valley Marine, a full-service boat and motorcycle business for many years. Don also spent several years in specialty advertising working with Mayo Advertising.
Donald, a lifelong Elk, was a proud member of the Harlingen Elks Lodge #1889, a member of VFW Post 2410 of San Benito and American Legion Post #205, in Harlingen. Donald was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Harlingen for many years.
Donald is survived by his son, Denis of Smithville, TX, and grandson Aaron, of Austin, and granddaughter Angela Sothman-McGinness of McKinney. Don’s first son, Ronald McGinness, passed away in September 2005. Don had two brothers and three sisters, all dearly loved, all of who preceded him in death. Numerous nieces and nephews survive him.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2015 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services for Donald are scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 11:00 AM, at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home. Burial will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Harlingen Elks Lodge #1889 or the Humane Society of Harlingen.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Mr. Don "Chief" Boykin for his thoughtful assistance and guidance during this time. Also, the family thanks J. Richard Hartsfield, pastor, and the congregation of New Hope Presbyterian Church of La Feria. The family also recognizes and is grateful for members of the Harlingen Elks Lodge#1889.
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