Thomas “Tom” L. McDonald

Thomas “Tom” L. McDonald, 63, of Onaway, died at home unexpectedly,  Monday, March 27, 2023. Born in Onaway April 3, 1959, Tom was one of 12 children born to Lawrence and Alma (Beatty) McDonald. A lifelong resident of Onaway, Tom graduated from Onaway High School in 1977. He made a career in the restaurant industry working as a cook for Wood Winds and Manzana’s restaurants in Onaway and Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant in Charlevoix.

Tom was a private person who kept to himself and had a quietness about him. He treasured his friends, loved his family, and adored his grandnieces and nephews. He enjoyed playing bingo and loved scratch-off lottery tickets, which he bought often. He was generous, sharing anything he may have been lucky enough to win. Helping others, in any way he could, always brought joy to Tom’s heart. 

He is survived by his sisters, Darlene Fleming of Virginia

, and Lorene Kerr, Cindy Nash, Shelly (Randy) Tibbits and Kitty (Dave) Gilbert, all of Onaway; brothers, Lawrence “Buck” (Sandy) of Florida, and Pete (Joann), Russell (Kathy) and Melvin, all of Onaway; brother-in-law, Dave Post of Hillman; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as longtime friend, Beth Wiggins of Onaway. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Vivian Sobeck, Betty Post and Nancy Post; brothers-in-law, Patrick Kerr, Richard Sobeck, Steven Nash, Alger Fleming and Tom Hitchcock; and his four-legged companion, his black lab, Kipper.

It was Tom’s wish that there be no funeral service after his death. He will be honored by his family privately in a graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Tom to the Onaway Ambulance Equipment Fund. Cremation arrangements were in care of Chagnon Funeral Home.