William Eugene "Gene" McDonald, 87, of Bay City passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2015. He was born on October 27, 1928 in Rockdale, Texas to the late Louella Doss McDonald and William Jennings Bryan McDonald.

Gene graduated from Rockdale High School in 1945 and went on to Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas and spent 4 years in the U.S. Air Force. Gene worked as a surveyor in Saudi Arabia. He worked with seismic crews in Canada, Australia and the U.S., and marine seismic operations Canada, South America and the North Sea. His hobby was flying and he attended flying schools to receive private licenses in Australia, Canada and Houston, Texas. Gene was member of the VFW Post 2438 in Bay City and volunteered many hours to Bingo nights, the Honor Guard and various other functions.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Frances Boulmay. He is survived by his loving wife Norma; brother Glen McDonald (Margaret); stepdaughter Katherine Kaplan of Seaside, Oregon; stepsons David Cartwright (Linda) and Gary Cartwright; nieces Glenda McDonald and Laura Benevides (Rick); nephews Jay McDonald of Friendswood, Texas, Richard Boulmay (Jeanie) of Oklahoma, Brian Boulmay (Jennifer) of Katy, Texas and Tommy Boulmay (Nancy) of the Cayman Islands; step-grandchildren Josh Cartwright (Miranda) of Rosenberg, Texas, Chance Cartwright (Amber) of Round Rock, Texas, Holly Cartwright of Center, Texas, Lisa Lowery, Todd Thornton and Chris Thornton all of Austin, Texas; step great-grandchildren Luke Cartwright, Banks Thornton, Dylan Lowery and Luke Lowery, and numerous other nieces, nephews and loving family members.

The family will receive visitors Saturday, November 14 from 5:00-7:00pm at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 2:00pm Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, Texas.