William Darold McDonald
William Darold McDonald at the age of 80, went to be with his Lord on September 21, 2022. He was the only son born to Eleanor June and William Harris McDonald on February 14, 1942, in Shreveport, Louisiana. After graduating from high school Darold joined the US Air Force and served until he was honorably discharged. He studied political science at the University of Louisiana. His career began in Houston, Texas, with NASA.
Throughout the period from 1974 until 2008 Darold contributed his great support and professionalism as Life Support Technician, to the following space programs: NASA flight operations, to which he was a key factor for the safe and successful missions flown by NASA astronauts and AOD aircrews. Apollo Soyuz Test Project, participating in which Darold supported and contributed to the success of the first international manned space mission of July 15-24, 1975. Approach and Landing Test program, implementing ALT flights of the space shuttle orbiter “Enterprise”. The First Assembly Mission of the International Space Station, when, launching from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, Endeavour and it’s crew of six astronauts joined Unity and Zaria together, the first elements of the International Space Station. They completed 185 orbits of the Earth, traveling 4.6 million miles before landing at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida in December 1998. Shuttle Program. Darold participated and supported this project from the start to its full completion with his best ability.
Darold married Tatiana Mokeeva in 2000. Darold had a great interest in airplanes and in flying. He was a licensed pilot and dedicated most of his free time to flying. He was very creative and enjoyed assembling musical instruments. Darold was never satisfied by his achievements. He was always learning new things. After retiring he continued his career as a licensed home inspector and succeeded in it. Darold was a devout Man of God. After meeting and marrying to Tatiana he became an Orthodox Christian. Father Lubomir officiated a Memorial Service for Darold with his family and friends in attendance.
Services will be 10:00AM Thursday September 29,2022 at Crowder Funeral Home in League City; 1645 East Main Street, League City, Tx 77573. Burial will follow at 2:15 at the Houston National Cemetery located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.
Families’ florist is Kemah flowers located at 601 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565. Phone: (281) 532-6933
I was privileged to have worked with such a great man. Not only was Mac a coworker. He was a dear friend. He inspired others to excel not only in the work they did but how also how you carried yourself. He said it’s good to be confident in yourself with the knowledge you have in your profession. But it is better to be humble and to pass your knowledge to others so that they will be better than us and make our profession stronger. His faith would come out on occasion, as devout that he was ge would not preach on a daily basis, but only when needed. When I was ready to quit on my marriage. Mac spoke to me these word. Chris a man doesn’t get married to get divorced when times are tough. We turn to God to lead our family thru the rough times and the good times. RIP, MY BROTHER
William played an integral part in the highly successful life support effort as a government contractor for the SFRT program. He willingly shared his vast knowledge and experience and operated with a high level of accuracy; much needed and appreciated in the field of life support.
I remember when he married his beautiful wife. She made the best meat filled rolls and William shared them with many of his friends.
Those of us left behind can only pray that we live our lives with such integrity and joy. May God bless his family and provide peace and comfort that comes only from Him.
We did not meet Darold until later in his life but he was a true blessing to have met. My wife and I were invited to Darold and Tatiana’s home on several occasions and at each occasion Darold would greet us at the door with that welcome smile of his. He would always make us feel welcomed to a relaxed visit. He opened his home to very enjoyable visits. He was equally versed in any conversation that was chosen. He will be missed and our deepest condolences to Tatiana in her loss.
I was lucky to meet Darold a couple of years ago during my first visit to my mom in Houston more than 10 years ago. Darold and his wife were so kind to show me Galveston and the local sites and we also enjoyed a nice lunch together. Darold made me feel so welcomed and gave me great support. It was a blessing to meet such a kind and nice man. Our condolences to the family.
Diana and David Clark