Howard Wayne McDonald

On the morning of November 6, 2026, peacefully at his home, in the arms of his wife, surrounded by his family, Howard Wayne McDonald left this earthly life and quietly slipped into the loving embrace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Howard was born in Seattle, Washington on February 11,1943, to Evelyn Josephine Meline and Lloyd Alexander McDonald. His family moved to Idaho where he graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1961. Howard attended Boise State University where he completed a year of business law school before entering the full-time work force. Over the years he held many titles. He was an entrepreneur at heart, always seeing possibilities where others might see obstacles. His vision and adventurous spirit at one point took him halfway around the world to Taiwan, where he searched for a manufacturer to import the first mini trampolines. Eventually he founded McDonald Equipment and specialized in selling farm equipment and tractors. Through his example, he taught his family that with hard work, perseverance, and belief in yourself, an idea can become something real.

Howard greeted each morning to the beautiful view of the Snake River and Lorraine's lovingly tended yard. Nature was where he found his peace, adventure, and happiness. He was an outdoorsman at heart and could rarely pass up an opportunity to go fishing, hunting, camping, or snowmobiling. He had a deep love for sports, enjoying everything from baseball, football, and golf to snow skiing and waterskiing. Whether enjoying the quiet beauty of the river or lake, spending time outdoors, or heading off on another adventure, these were the moments that made him happiest. Above all, what made those moments truly special was sharing them with his family and friends. He was frequently whisked away on adventures to Island Park or all the way to Hawaii. Howard was blessed with amazing friends and family. For him there was no greater happiness than having them by his side.

The day he passed was made even more meaningful by the fact that 65 years earlier on November 6, 1961, he had married his wife, Lorraine Hammon. Together they began a memorable and beautiful life adventure. One of the biggest accomplishments in Howard's life was the family he and Lorraine created together. He took tremendous pride in watching his legacy grow generation after generation. He could be seen pulling Lorraine aside at family functions and telling her, “Look what we started.”

Though he may no longer walk beside us, the love he gave, the memories he created, and the family he cherished will forever be a part of his legacy.

We find comfort in knowing that Howard's faith has carried him home, and we rejoice in his heavenly homecoming. We can only imagine the joy of his reunion as he was welcomed into Heaven by the loved ones who had gone before him, his Father, Lloyd Alexander McDonald; Mother Evelyn Josephine Melin; sister, Sandra Diane Wunderlich Schaffer; brother, Lloyd Alexander (L.A.) McDonald; brother Patrick James McDonald; and sister Nancy Evelyn McDonald Walker.

Howard is survived by his wife: Lorraine McDonald; children Michelle (Lynn) Rushton, Diane (Kim Phillips) McDonald, David (Sam) McDonald, eight grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and beloved bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Family and Friends are welcome to join us and reminisce, grieve and provide support on Friday, November 13th, 2026, at the Annis Menan Stake Center Gym, 698 N 3600 E, Menan, Idaho. The family will be receiving guests from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. The Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 p.m. and the graveside interment will immediately follow at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.

Howard valued humanitarian services and believed in donating generously throughout his life. The McDonald family would like to continue this tradition by kindly encouraging donations to local charities in lieu of flowers. Here is a list of some of the family’s recommended charities.

Ward Humanitarian

Salvation Army- - https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/

Giving Machine- https://givingmachineeastidaho.org/

Local Food Bank-

Local Men/ Women Shelter-

Local Crisis Center-