Jean Wilson McDonough, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away September 7, 2016, at the age of 97. He was born October 23, 1918, to Roy Lewis and Carol Florence Smith McDonough, the third of five children, Helen, Paul, Jean, Marjorie, and Audrey. He attended Hawthorne Elementary and Irving Junior High, graduating from South High School and the University of Utah. He married his sweetheart, Donna Miller, December 22, 1943, in the Salt Lake Temple, and together they had five children, Kathleen, Mark, Patrice, Bruce, and Gregg. He was a wonderful husband and father and a great friend to everyone who knew him.
Jean served a mission in Australia prior to being drafted into the military in 1942 where he served in the 65th Division, 689th Artillery Battalion under General Patton. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star and proud to have served his country. He was a faithful and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving as Bishop, Counselor, High Councilman, Seventy, Stake YM President, and Stake Mission Leader. He served a second mission to Australia with his wife Donna after he retired.
He spent most of his life in the construction industry, building residential and commercial projects, but all of his life helping his family and others build and remodel homes, chapels, and multiple service projects. He was all about work and service and felt like that was what kept him going all these years. He was also an avid tennis player in his later years, playing with friends until he was 90. He was certain it would keep him young longer.
After the sudden passing of his wife, Donna, Jean married Kathleen Brooksby Rubisch, July 10, 1993 in the Salt Lake Temple, adding her three children, Jerilyn, Steven, and Don to his family. They were married for 23 wonderful years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, his wife, Donna, and daughter, Patrice. He is survived by his wife Kathie, daughters, Kathy (Ron) Wilkins, and Jeri (Richard) Mott, and sons, Mark (Dorothy) McDonough, Bruce (Allyson) McDonough, Gregg McDonough, Steve (Chrysti) Rubisch, and Don (Estee) Rubisch. He leaves behind a posterity of 142 grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. in the Highland View Ward, 2980 South 2790 East. There will be a viewing Friday, September 16, 2016, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and prior to the services from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Both will be at the Highland View Ward. Interment will be at the Wasatch Lawn Cemetery.
