Ronald D. McDonald, 87, Fairbury, died at 2:11 pm Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Ron was born August 27, 1938 in Pontiac, IL the son of Earl J. and Dorothy J. Pate McDonald. He married Norma Sue Clark on December 19, 1959 in Fairbury, IL. She survives in Fairbury.

Other survivors include his children, Kimberly (Brian Anderson) Lopez, Colfax, Jay (Renee) McDonald, Fairbury, Kelly (Steve Rudolph) McDonald, Hoopeston, Mari McDonald, Milford, eleven grandchildren, Johnathon, Liza and Jayde McDonald, Mitchell McDonald, Tara Reiners, Shay McDonald, Keegan and Konnor McDonald, Brett and Evan Bulington and Ryanna Meunier, thirteen great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter, two sisters, Patricia Cadwell, Almont, MI and Carol (Marvin) Peters, Gibson City.

He is preceded in death by one son, Ronald “Scott” McDonald, one brother and one sister.

Ron served in the National Guard (1955-1963). After serving in the National Guard Ron with his wife Sue owned and operated McDonald’s Family Restaurant in Fairbury from 1971 until his retirement in 2018.

He enjoyed woodworking and gardening but most of all he loved spending time with his family.

Visitation will be 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Friday, June 19, 2026 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury followed by his funeral service at 1:00pm. Pastor Daryl Evans will officiate. Burial will be in Avoca Twp. Cemetery, Fairbury. The family suggests memorials be directed to OSF Hospice.