James McDonald

James Eric "Rick" McDonald, 71, of Cape Girardeau passed away peacefully in the arms of his family Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born Aug. 12, 1951, in Kennett, Missouri, to James and Juanita Phillips McDonald. He and Donna Heaton McDonald were married Aug. 12, 1972, in Cape Girardeau. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Busch Stadium and enjoyed a St. Louis Cardinals win with their girls.

Rick owned and operated McDonald Construction Co., where he was the contractor and draftsman. He owned and operated MACO Motor with his father, and was also an art teacher at Scott City, kindergarten through 12th grade, for five years.

He was a member of Cape Girardeau Elks Club No. 639 and helped build the softball field that still remains.

He coached basketball and softball for all three of his girls. He played and then coached Kohlfeld slow-pitch softball for many years. Rick loved to hunt, fish and golf, and was a Cardinals fan, but his greatest love was his girls.

Rick received the Impact Award for USA Softball in 2019, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Board and the Cape Girardeau Noon Optimist Club in 2016. He served as commissioner of the Cape Girardeau Girls Softball League.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Heaton McDonald of Cape Girardeau; three daughters, Erica (Rusty) Morgan and Jessica (Jonathan) Compas, both of Cape Girardeau, and Megan (Timothy) Mayhall of Blodgett, Missouri; two sisters, Kathy (Wayne) Heise of Jackson and Brenda (Larry) Schloss of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren, Dakota Morgan of Doniphan, Missouri, Aubrey Cissell of Cape Girardeau, Sawyer Morgan of Cape Girardeau, Wyatt Mayhall of Blodgett, Henry Compas of Cape Girardeau and Grady Mayhall of Blodgett.

A celebration of Rick's life will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 23, at the Elks Lake House, 639 Elk Lane in Cape Girardeau. Please stop by whenever you have time and stay as long as you like. Rick loved his family and friends, so please join them in honoring him when you can. There will be a short softball game for guests to join in honor of Rick's love for the game at 5:30, followed by a dedication at 7: p.m.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.