H. Neal McDonald, 93, of Mt. Carmel, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2013 at Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation-Angel River, Newburgh, Ind.  Private family graveside services at Highland Memorial Cemetery.

He was born on Thursday, April 15, 1920 in Parkersburg, Ill., the son of Ralph McDonald and Christine Warmkie McDonald. Neal married Dolores Saulmon on Sept. 26, 1951, in Carmi, Ill.; she survives.

He was the founder and co-owner of Lamac Engineering. He was a registered professional engineer in the state of Illinois. In December, 1983, Neal received a special award from Illinois Gov. James R. Thompson for staking over 23,000 oil well locations. In January, 1990, he was one of sixteen men recognized in Mt. Carmel on Oil Appreciation Day and given a key to the city. They had all been in business for over 50 years and instrumental in oil production in the surrounding area.

Neal was an active member in many Mt. Carmel civic organizations, and long-time member of the Elks. Neal was an avid golfer and loved to fly fish. He was a pool player and bird hunter. He played tennis into his sixties and played a major role in bringing competitive tennis to the Mt. Carmel area. In earlier years, he loved boating, skiing, swimming and diving.

Neal rode motorcycles most of his life. In the 1950’s he was a member of the Motorcycle Enduro Team and competed in national events for endurance riders. In November, 1950, he competed in the famous 450 mile Pirate Treasure Endurance Race in Montgomery, Ala. He was one of only 12 that finished the race out of 80 competitors. He won the Illinois State High Point Trophy and the distinction of being placed among the expert endurance riders of the nation.

Neal is survived by his son Gary McDonald and his wife Ann of New Market, Ala.; his daughter Christine McDonald and her husband, Edward Isham of Newburgh, Ind.; one grandson LTC Damon McDonald, and three granddaughters Heather (McDonald) Richardson, Ginger Miller, Abbey Gross, and four great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Kenneth, and sister Helen.

Published in Daily Republican Register (Mt. Carmel, IL) - Tuesday, July 16, 2013