In Loving Memory of John C. “Jake” Donaldson Jr.
April 13, 1929 October 9, 2026 Eastland resident from 1996 to 2009, John C. Donaldson Jr., known to many throughout his life as Jake or J.C. and more recently as John, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, at the age of 97.
Born in Ranger, Texas, on April 13, 1929, John was the third of five children. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War in the early 1950s, stationed in Baumholder, Germany, before beginning a career in the oil field, where he spent many years working hard, first for Phillips Petroleum and then for Pride Pipeline, and building a life for his family.
On October 25, 1948, John married the love of his life, Jean Donaldson. Their story began at a drugstore soda shop, where a chance meeting blossomed into a lifetime of love and companionship. Together they built a life rooted in family, friendship, and service to their community. Their son, John C. "Chuck" Donaldson III, was born on their fourth wedding anniversary, making that date even more special in their family's history. John was an active and dedicated member of the Andrews, Texas, community, serving on the school advisory board and city council, alongside Jean's own commitment to civic life. The two were involved in numerous civic organizations and gave generously of their time and energy to the community they called home. They were devoted members of Means Memorial United Methodist Church, Andrews. John later lived in Abilene, Texas; Carlsbad, New Mexico; Eastland, and Dallas, Texas. In Dallas, Chuck was blessed to have John as his next-door neighbor for several years.
John enjoyed working in the yard, planting trees, and spending time visiting with friends and family. He had a delightful gift of finding humor in everyday life and rarely encountered a situation he couldn't laugh about. His smile was familiar to those who knew him, and his laughter made others feel welcome.
About those he admired, John often said, "They just like people." It was a senti-ment that perfectly described him. John genuinely liked people, and that affection showed in the way he treated others, the friendships he maintained, and the joy he found in simply spending time with those around him.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jean; his sisters Phyllis Wright and Wanda Bryant, his niece Angela Clower; his nephews Douglas Bryant and Bob Olson, and his brothers- and sisters-in-law Truman Bryant, Ruth and Roy Cartee, Robbie Joye Donaldson, Wanda and Charlie Olson, and Vernon Wright.
He is survived by his son, Chuck; his brothers Glenn Donaldson and Danny Donaldson (Judy); his nephews, Mike Donaldson, Larry Donaldson (Nancy), and Jay Olson (Rosemarie); his nieces, Debbie White (Greg), Candi Taylor (Bobby), and Dawn Donaldson (Nathalie); and his extended family and many dear friends who will cherish his memory.
John also shared his life with his beloved canine companions Cable and Hoover, who preceded him in death and held a special place in his heart.
John leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, laughter, and genuine affection for others. He will be remembered for his easy smile, his good humor, his love of family and friends, and his ability to find something to laugh about in nearly every circumstance. Those who knew John will carry his memory forward in the stories they share, the laughter they remember, and the friendships he made throughout his long and well-lived life. He simply liked people-and people loved him for it.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Arbor Day Foundation, Best Friends Animal Society, Doctors Without Borders, Methodist Children's Home, or a charity of your choice.
