Ronald Lee "Buck" McDonald

Ronald Lee “Buck” McDonald Sr., age 92 of Osceola, went to be with the Lord on September 28, 2026. Buck was born May 3, 1934, in Winamac, Indiana to the late Arthur and Sadie (Linback) McDonald. On November 7, 1953, he married Edna Marie Behnke, and together they shared nearly fifty years of marriage before her passing in 2003.

Buck is survived by his daughter, Penny J. Kidder, her husband Kent, and daughter-in-law Deborah McDonald all of Osceola; his grandchildren, Ronald L “Chad” McDonald III and his wife, Kim, Justin McDonald and his wife, Tiffany, Miles Kidder, and Chase Kidder; and three great-grandchildren Elisecia, Madisyn, and Dylan McDonald. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna; his infant son, Donald McDonald; his son, Ronald McDonald Jr.; and his siblings, Clark McDonald and Linda Phillips.

Buck was a familiar face in the Osceola community, owning and operating McDonald’s Barber Shop from 1962 until his retirement in 2009. For generations, local residents knew his barber chair as a place for conversation, laughter, and friendship. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making people feel welcome and included. In addition to his work as a barber, Buck drove a school bus for the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation from the 1970s through the 1990s.

An active man throughout his life, Buck enjoyed running, working out, and staying healthy. He loved fishing and camping with the Gypsy Rovers Camping Group and spent many happy hours outdoors with friends and family. He was also an avid Gold Wing motorcycle rider and a longtime member of two chapters of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge. His kindness, work ethic, and friendly personality were qualities he passed along to his children and grandchildren.

Most of all, Buck loved the Lord and faithfully attended Deer Run Church of Christ for many years. His family often smiled when recalling the many pieces of advice and wisdom they called “Buck-isms.” No matter who he was talking to, Buck was known for reminding people to “Get right with your Maker and wear your sunscreen!”

Visitation will be held from 2-4 pm Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Cruz Family Funeral Home, Osceola with a memorial service to follow at 4pm with Pastor Tom Lemler officiating. Buck will be laid to rest in a private graveside ceremony in Osceola Cemetery at a later time. For those unable to attend the memorial service, a livestream will be available at 4pm on Sunday in the window below.

In memory of Buck, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities at Ronald McDonald House Charities. To light a virtual candle, share a memory of Buck, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit the Guestbook tab above.

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