James E McDonald

James Edward “Pete” McDonald, 82 of Crosby, Texas passed away on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022. He was born June 8, 1939, in Jett Station, Kentucky to John McDonald Sr., and Brucie Dunaway-McDonald.

Beginning at a very young age Pete worked on horse farms with his Dad and later traveled throughout the US working the horse track. In the late 60’s he owned his own race horse named “Texas Timber Wolfe”. Texas Timber Wolfe placed first in a race and second numerous times and Pete was just as happy to cash in those winning tickets.  

As a kid he was a stickler about going to school.  He would hide in an apple tree until he saw the bus come up the hill. When the bus would go back down the hill he would jump out of the tree and run home like he’d been at school all day.  His Mom figured out how tricky he was and held his hand until he got on the bus. He then became a little wiser and began to jump off the bus at the second stop and head straight to the apple tree. 

Pete retired as a diesel mechanic from Jean’s Garage in 2011, after 45 years of service.  He spent most of his time betting on the Kentucky Derby. Although he never was able to bet on him, “John Henry” was his favorite horse.

His pride and joy was his family.  He loved his wife Marilyn of 49 years more than anything.  He called her “Jaws” because she loves to talk. He adored all his children, however his grandchildren and great grandchildren could do no wrong. He loved sweets almost as much. He was proud of his family and friends and will be deeply missed by all that were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by his daughters, Callie Rae Wisdom-Carlton-Soffes and Jamie Mechelle McDonald-Fininis.  Father John McDonald Sr. and Mother Brucie Dunaway McDonald.  Brothers, John McDonald Jr., Raymond “Buck” McDonald.  Sisters, Jean “Polly” McDonald-Fryman and Debbie McDonald-McCarty.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Wooten-McDonald, son Jerry McDonald-Harris and wife Kelli Harris.  Grandchildren, Taylor Biedekapp, Chelsea Karwowski and husband Dave, Ty Harris and wife Hailey, Cameron Soffes and wife Stephanie, Kori Harris, Rylee Fininis and Alex Fininis.  Great grandchildren Laikynn Karwowski, Bradley Soffes, Jasmine Robins, Jackson “Jackie” Soffes and Rilynn Karwowski. Brother Earl “Rod” McDonald and sisters Judith Schinefuss, Barbara Sue Turner (Charlie), Ruth Ann Blankenship, Mary Buckler and Kathy Buckler all residents of Kentucky.  He had many people special to his heart, Tyler Strokos, Jeff West, Rodney Sims, Jimmy Carlton, Hilda Sims, Jesse Carreon, Bill Fininis, Sean Strokos Unkart, Allen “Boog” Strokos along with 30 nieces and nephews who all reside in Kentucky and numerous other family and friends.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Sterling White Funeral Home, 11011 Crosby-Lynchburg Rd., Highlands, Texas, with the funeral services following right after.