Ben F. McDonald Jr.

Ben F. McDonald, Jr., passed away on July 19, 2012. He was born to Mabel and Ben F. McDonald, Sr., in Austin, TX, on October 28, 1925. In 1951, Ben married his University of Texas sweetheart Nell Glenn Churchwell; they were devoted partners for 55 years until her death in 2006. Ben loved Corpus Christi and actively served this community and our nation. At age 16, he was a member of the UT Naval ROTC and then served as a gunnery officer on the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Wichita during World War II. Ben saw major combat in Okinawa and other open sea battles. The “Old Witch” was one of the first ships to arrive in Nagasaki harbor after the bomb blast. His flotilla rescued close to 10,000 Allied prisoners in the region. After the war, Ben completed law school and worked as a prosecuting attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice in the Kansas City district. Later he practiced law for 60 years, much of that time in Corpus Christi. Ben worked tirelessly during his term as mayor of Corpus Christi in 1961-1963. His notable contributions were: passed civil rights ordinances regarding city employment, housing, and public accommodations (this was pre-1964 Civil Rights Act); formed the first Human Relations Commission in the southern U.S.; worked to bring the Boys and Girls Club to CC; established the Industrial Commission for promoting business investment; advocated aggressive annexation programs to prevent the city from being landlocked; consolidated three existing gas systems into the current city-owned gas system which saved money for residents; and created the first branch library. Ben was a man of amazing intellect, energy, and varied interests. He was a long time rancher and businessman and was a co-founder of Doctor’s Hospital (now CC Medical Center Doctors Regional Hospital). In mid-career, Ben accepted appointment as Executive Director of the Texas Department of Community Affairs in Austin where he managed 375 employees and a budget of $500 million. Ben came from a long line of teachers and taught law courses through the State Bar of Texas and as an adjunct instructor at UT-Austin, Texas State and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi universities, and Del Mar College. He authored 27 articles on oil and gas law and other matters. Ben mentored local business owners through SCORE-Corpus Christi. He was a Master Mason, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, York Rite Mason, member of York Rite College, and Shriner. He served as an elder at his church home, South Shore Christian. Ever the adventurer, Ben loved to hunt, fish, and travel widely. He attained U.S. Coast Guard Captain status so he could competently take friends and colleagues 50 miles out in the Gulf from his beloved Port O’Connor cabin. His hunting trips were legendary and included expeditions to Africa and South America. Ben was especially proud of his four children who survive him: Chris McDonald and wife Sharon; Molly McDonald-Ogden and husband Jon; Amanda McDonald Buckalew and husband Bob; Kevin McDonald and wife Tammy, and grandchildren/great grandchildren Karyna, Kristen, Brandon, Cameron, Samantha, Zoe, Anna, Carter, Emma, and Landon. He is survived by his cherished sister Mary Mae Hartley. He is also survived by extended family: David Bivens, Lynette Beasley and husband Jason, and Kirsten, Kyle, and Kelsey. The family gratefully acknowledges Ms. Lupe Fuentes, his “Girl Friday” during the past year. Memorial service to be held at First Christian Church, 3401 Santa Fe, Corpus Christi, at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24th. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Ben’s preferred charities—Mission of Mercy, P.O. Box 8341, CC, TX 78468 or the Humane Society.