Colvin McDonald

Colvin Rueben “Bogard” McDonald was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri Feb. 22, 1940 to Reuben and Zomer McDonald. He was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School. He spent the majority of his adult life working for the City of Poplar Bluff.

He was the first and only African American to attain the position of Superintendent of the Poplar Bluff Municipal Utilities Water and Sewer Department. Upon serving for more than 30 years with the water and sewer department he retired but still continued to dedicate his time and service to Municipal Utilities providing support for essential administrative operations.

Colvin was a Mason of over 40 years and a Past Master of Gold Star Lodge #168 of Poplar Bluff, an affiliate of Most Worthy Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Missouri. He was a founding member and served for six years as the president of the Wheatley Historical Preservation Association, Inc. whose purpose was to maintain the historic significance of the segregated historic Wheatley School founded in 1901. 

He was an advent fisherman that loved to spend his time fishing from the waters of Lake Wappapello to the warm blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Colvin’s greatest love and sense of accomplishment was developing a strong Christian family. Many times, people wonder if they made a difference in this world…with unequivocal certainty Colvin Rueben McDonald positively impacted this world by molding, teaching, and loving his family, creating a legacy that continues to represent the outstanding character of a great man.

Colvin went home to glory Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 at the age of 80.

Colvin leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Jane McDonald; two daughters, Janna Carter and LaRonda Mack of Poplar Bluff; and son Christopher McDonald of New Bern, North Carolina; his beloved son-in-law, Phillip Carter of Poplar Bluff; his beloved daughter-in-law, Anne McDonald of New Bern, North Carolina; his beloved grandsons, Michael McDonald of Augusta, Georgia, and Braeden, Chayse, and Preston McDonald of New Bern, North Carolina; his beloved granddaughters, Angelika McDonald of Augusta, Georgia, Jele’ya Burnett of Memphis, Tennessee, Jazzmine Cauthen and Khelie Spence of Poplar Bluff; his beloved eight great-grandchildren; his beloved, goddaughter, Tori Blackman; and many other relatives and friends. He was proceeded in death by parents, Rueben and Zomer McDonald; his beloved brothers, Lavester, Joe, Vernell, and Wallace McDonald; his beloved sister, Reba McDonald.

A walk-through visitation will be held from 10-11:45 am. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.

Family/close Friends closed service will begin at noon at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 913 Garfield Street, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Deacon Rex Rattler Sr. will deliver a Words of Comfort message. Burial will take place at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery at a later date.

In compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing is required. Face masks are mandatory for those attending the visitation, funeral, and burial services. McDonald-Horne Funeral Home is in charge of services and arrangements.