Obituary--ODESSA AMERICAN, March 15, 2009, WILLIAM "BILL" MCDONALD: Bill McDonald, 85, passed away Friday, March 13, 2009, at the Universal Hospice In-Patient Facility in Ft. Worth. He was born September 9, 1923, to Elva and Wanda (Smith) McDonald in Braggs, Okla. He traveled to Illinois to begin his drilling career while finishing high school. He soon met and married the love of his life Ruth Barrett. Shortly after their wedding he joined the United States Army. He was a member of the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. He served his country honorably during WWII in New Guinea and the Philippines as a paratrooper. During this time he received numerous medals including the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star for Heroic or Meritorious Achievement, Presidential Citation for Liberation of Corregidor, Good Conduct Medal, and the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action pinned on him by General MacArthur. Upon returning from the war, he began a drilling industry career that took him to various locations in North America, South America, and the Middle East. After several years he chose Odessa as his home. In the early 1960's he founded McDonald Drilling Company, Inc. Bill was an avid MOJO fan. He loved flying flags at his home. He attended Wesley Evangelical Methodist Church. His parents and his wife preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Tim McDonald and his wife, Karan of Keller; his daughter, Gloria McDonald of Dallas; sister, Dortha Bilyeu of Arkansas City, Kan.; six half sisters, Jessie Conatzer of Tulsa, Okla., Jean Zellner of Big Cabin, Okla., Kathie Beaston of Sperry, Okla., Yvonne Sallee of Ft Smith, Ark., Nancy Sue Rogers of VanBuren, Ark., and Bobbye Keith of Natural Dam, Ark.; one granddaughter, Kamera McDonald of Keller; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2009, at Hubbard Kelly Chapel with Ronnie Newton officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Midland. Services are entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home of Odessa. Online condolences may be submitted to www.mem.com.