Larry G. Mcdonald

Larry G. McDonald, age 74, of Morgantown, WV, passed away peacefully at his home on Snake Hill Road on October 26, 2024, following a brief illness. Born on October 1, 1950, in Morgantown, he embodied the spirit of his West Virginian roots: strong, steadfast, and infused with a love for the rugged outdoors.

Larry attended Morgantown High School class of 1968, and it was there his journey as a devoted family man and proud coal miner began. He spent many years working at Blacksville No. 2, where he formed lasting friendships and shaped his reputation for hard work and determination. Beyond his professional life, Larry's affections lay within the heart of his community, and, quite humorously, he considered himself part of the governing body of Snake Hill Road.

His love for his family knew no bounds. Larry leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years, Carolyn Mayfield McDonald, his cherished daughter, Shawnda McDonald, and her partner, Matthew Titus; his dedicated son, Chad McDonald, all of Morgantown; along with his adored grandchildren, Ashland (Bryan) Prentice of Houston, TX, Tyler Robertson of Washington, DC, Mason McDonald of Morgantown, and Wyatt McDonald of PA. He was a brother to three sisters, Diane Jones of MS, Wilda Lee of Wheeling, WV, and Lucille Keener of Reedsville, WV.

Larry is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom he adored and took every opportunity to tease with his trademark wit. His playful humor and lighthearted teasing were a constant presence at family gatherings, bringing laughter and fond memories that will be cherished by his extended family for years to come.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Lawrence and Grace Shaw McDonald; two brothers as well as three sisters.

Larry's passion for the outdoors was evident to all who knew him. An enthusiast of bow hunting, he felt most at home perched in his tree stand, immersed in the tranquility of nature. He found joy in the simple things: mowing grass, a task through which he humorously ensured his neighbors' lawns were up to his standards, and in his younger days, the freedom of the open road on his Harley Davidson, with journeys as far as Bike week in Daytona and the falls in Canada. The Preston Co. Buckwheat Festival was an annual tradition he treasured, not merely for the celebration but for those infamous buckwheat cakes that he may have eaten more of than anyone in history.

Among the countless ways Larry brought joy to his family, Christmas mornings were particularly memorable. He loved the excitement of opening gifts, but even more, he loved the challenge of guessing what was inside each box before unwrapping it. A master at deciphering even the smallest clue, Larry was nearly impossible to surprise—one shake of a package, and he’d nail it every time. His playful, almost detective-like spirit kept everyone laughing and wondering how he did it year after year.

Known for his very dry sense of humor, Larry's quick, sarcastic wit never failed to deliver a smile. As author Mark Twain once said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." Larry took this advice to heart with every adventure he embarked on and every tale he told — always with a twinkle in his eye.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the step-down nurses and staff of the 4th floor at Mon Health Medical Center, the Hospice Staff for their tender mercy and care, and all the friends, neighbors, and family who stopped in to visit over the past few weeks.

Larry's life will be celebrated in the memories he crafted, the stories he told, and the laughter he shared. His legacy is one of love, humor, and the gentle yet unwavering strength of the West Virginia hills he so loved. Larry G. McDonald was, and always will be, a pillar of his family and community, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Larry’s family will honor his request for cremation. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at the Cheat Lake Community Church on Sunday Nov. 3, 2024 at 3 PM.  The family will greet friends beginning at 2 PM. Cremation services have been entrusted to the Fred Jenkins Funeral Home.