A Life Story

Lawrence (Larry) John McDonald, 82, passed away at home on May 24, 2026, after a short battle with cancer. He was born October 28, 1943, in LaSalle, Illinois, the son of Nelle (Coughlin) and Joseph McDonald. Larry was a graduate of LaSalle-Peru High School, Illinois Valley Community College, Illinois State University (B.S. Ed.), and Northern Illinois University (M.S. Ed. In Counselor Education). Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joseph M McDonald, Jr., and his sister Carol McDonald Moore. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Edwina, son lan McDonald (Illinois), daughter and son-in-law Meredith (McDonald) and Michael White (Lawrenceville, Georgia), and granddaughter Celyn McDonald (Illinois), as well as his nephews and nieces, many cousins and in-laws. Larry lived in Oregon, Illinois for 30 years and taught at the Etnyre Middle School and Oregon High School and served as the high school Guidance Counselor. He also coached junior high track and field, junior high and high school boys and girls basketball, and was the varsity high school golf coach. Larry retired from Oregon in 2000 and moved to New Braunfels, Texas. In 2004, Larry and his family moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he served as Director of Guidance at the Benedictine Military School from 2007-2011. Larry loved spending time with his family and friends, traveling, golfing, watching high school basketball, and playing cards. He was a master storyteller and will be remembered for his big smile and sense of humor. He lived life to the fullest right until the end and will be greatly missed. A service will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Benedictine Military School Chapel, 6502 Seawright Dr, Savannah, GA 31406. Burial will be held at a later date in St. Vincent Cemetery, La Salle, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lions Club of Savannah General Fund, PO Box 16916, Savannah GA 31416 or to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA 31406.