Robert Olin McDonald

Robert Olin (Bob) McDonald was born on December 4, 1937 to Robert Patton and Charlotte Virginia (Lodes) McDonald. He died suddenly on October 30, 2023, but his family and many friends are confident that Bob’s joy of life has continued in Heaven.

He attended John Carroll Elementary and Catholic High, until he was politely asked to leave, Bob insisted it was because his Mother didn't bring enough hams and turkeys to the Nuns. After attending Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida, he graduated from Classen High and the University of Oklahoma. He was an extremely intelligent man and a summer job at a major Wall Street bank in New York City set the course of his professional life. He changed his major at OU and graduated with a degree in Finance. He spent the next 12 years working in New York City in various financial positions before returning to Oklahoma. Bob loved the "deal" and the more unique the better. In May of 1995, he and four of his friends went to dinner and formulated a business plan on a cocktail napkin for what became Capital West Securities. Capital West was a reflection of Bob- a somewhat dysfunctional family of extremely bright and talented individuals who loved to go to work every day. Bob was at the helm until he sold the firm in August of 2007. Capital West and its employees were very successful under Bob’s leadership.

Bob was a unique man who loved to laugh. He would clap his hands, throw back his head and laugh uproariously. Bob appreciated and accepted everyone for who they were without criticism or judgment and enjoyed assigning nicknames. He always loved a great practical joke. One of his favorite stories was getting a pedicure, during which he had a nice nap. When he took his socks off that night, he discovered his toenails were painted bright red. You could hear his laughter for days. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed discussing books with friends. He wasn't much of a sportsman, but he tried golf once. He played nine holes, caught a virus and was in bed for four days. He said, "This is God's way of telling me this is not my game."

After his retirement, he and wife, Davalene (Blondie), had the good fortune to travel much of the world. Once, they decided to take a world cruise which lasted almost five months. Bob said "if we don't like it, we will pretend it was an investment gone bad and come home". Although they missed family and friends, it was a great "adventure" that they enjoyed very much. When traveling was no longer practical, they spent many enjoyable times playing Bridge at Fun and Games Bridge Studio. Bob was an excellent player and loved the game, but he said the real reason for playing at the studio was because he enjoyed the people there so much.

Bob was a loyal friend and was surrounded by many loyal friends through good times and the bad. When he battled a serious illness a few years ago, friends and family showered him with love and kindness. During a long rehabilitation, they visited him regularly & often. His special "girlfriends" made sure he had ice cream and his sister-in-law, Marge, made soup and would sit by his bedside until he ate it! The love that he felt by so many aided him in his long recovery.

His grandchildren and great grandchildren brought much joy to his life. A granddaughter said recently, "The world would be a better place if everyone had a Papa Bob." He was a great influence to them, always encouraging their endeavors through the years. He and Davalene recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him dearly. There will be a celebration of his life on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm in the Reception Room at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116. Memorial contributions may be made to Homeless Alliance, 1724 NW 4th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106 or Allied Arts, 1015 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Alternatively, gather people you love, have a nice meal and swap funny stories. Hopefully, you will hear his laughter (always).