CUTLER – David Ray McDonald, 69, of Cutler, IL, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

David was born September 13, 1956, in Murphysboro, IL to Merle and Thelma McDonald. He grew up with six siblings in Campbell Hill, Ava, and Blair. David had his first son, Michael, in 1977. He married Cindy Crum on March 4, 1978, and they welcomed three more children together: Josh, Jason, and Candice.

David “Big Mac” or “Superman” as they liked to call him, worked as an Ironworker for PJR & Associates starting in 1980 when it was still named A&A. Over the course of his forty-six-year career, he worked for the company through three name changes and was promoted to General Superintendent of Construction. David’s work ethic and knowledge earned him so much respect from those he worked with. He retired from PJR in 2025 but remained as a consultant until he passed. The company and the people that he worked with became family, and they were always there for him.

David joined the Cutler Fire Department as a volunteer fireman in 1992. He started to provide training for the department and took over as Fire Chief in 2000. He has helped many families throughout his time as a volunteer fireman and first responder, showing up to calls in the middle of the night, during the day, with little to no sleep, and even through his battle with cancer in 2005. David’s service to his community shows his compassion and dedication over his 34-year career as a volunteer firefighter.

David is survived by his wife, Cindy McDonald of Cutler, IL, his children: Michael McDonald, Josh McDonald (Charissa), Jason McDonald (Beth), Candice Gaertner (Paul); his grandchildren: Aaron, Cassie, Alex, Hailey, Austin, Keagan, Cheyenne, Piper, Josie, and Kael; his great grandchildren, Lainey and Kjisten, his siblings: Ron McDonald (Jeannette), Kathy McDonald, Denise Kirkland; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings: Sandy Gibson, Kenneth McDonald, and Robert McDonald.

It was David’s wished for Cremation, and a Visitation and Memorial will be held in his honor. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, 11:00 am, at Wilson’s Funeral Home, Steeleville, IL. Visitation will be Friday evening, March 20, 2026, where friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 pm and then Saturday morning from 7:30 am until time of service. All donations in David’s name will be given to the Randolph County Humane Society and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.