Walter L. "Sarge" McDonald passed away Monday, June 22 after a brief stay at Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City.

A memorial service in his honor will be held Friday, June 26 at 11 O'clock in the morning at Baca's Funeral Chapel in Silver City, followed by lunch at the Tyrone Community Center immediately following.

Sarge was born December 23, 1950 in Bentonville, Arkansas to Glenn and Marguerite McDonald. He began his schooling in Clifton, Arizona, but most of his childhood was spent around Cliff, New Mexico. He graduated from Cliff High School and attended Western New Mexico University. Sarge married and had two daughters, Mandy (Rob) Stoxen and Molly (Brian) McBride. Sarge spent his early adult years working in ranching in southwestern New Mexico, but most of his career was spent as a heavy equipment operator. He retired from Freeport McMoRan in 2012 after over 28 years of service. Sarge enjoyed annual family camping trips to the Gila Wilderness, along with visits to Oklahoma City every year to watch the National Roping Finals. He was very proud of his five grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them, particularly in the outdoors.

Sarge was preceded in death by his younger sister Glennie, as well as his parents.

Survivors include his daughters, as well as his grandaughters (Kyleigh, Avery, Camille, and Maya) and his grandson (Cameron), in addition to his sisters, Sid (Floyd) Hoffman and Kathy (David) Johnson, and his nieces and nephews, Paula Rouse, Kelly Johnson, Jason Johnson, Trent Johnson, and Rob Hoffman.