Obituary of Terry D Donaldson

CMSGT Terry D. Donaldson, (Retired) USAF, died on the morning of October 5th, 2024, surrounded by his family and K-9 companion Zeus. He was born to Dr. Theodore T. Donaldson and Sarah Warren Donaldson in Macksburg, Ohio, on August 14th, 1936. He later moved to his beloved Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he graduated from Parkersburg High School with the class of 1954.

     Upon his graduation, Terry embarked on a life-changing 28-year career as a United States Air Force serviceman, with tours of duty in the European, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Theaters. He retired in December of 1982 at Griffiss AFB in Rome, New York. While in the Air Force, Terry met Sandra A. Mundschenk, the love of his life. They married in Utica, New York, and had two wonderful children, Shelley and Karen. Sandy passed away in 1972 at the age of 30. Terry never remarried.

     After his honorable retirement from the Air Force, Terry continued to serve his country. He was a partner in York Liquors for five years before beginning a career of civilian service within United States Air Force. He served as both Deputy Chief of Supply and Deputy Chief of Transportation for the 89th Airlift Wing, at Andrews AFB, Maryland, until his formal retirement in January of 2000.

     Terry resided in Upper Marlboro, Maryland from1989 until his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sisters Karen Lee Stewart of Columbus, Ohio, and Shirley Ciszek of Bay City, Michigan. He will be laid to rest in Utica, New York, alongside his wife.  

     Terry is survived by his two daughters, his son-in-law Everick and grandchildren Justin and Thomas; his sister’s in-law Patricia and Elizabeth; brother-in-law Douglas and his wife Joanna, and their children and grandchildren. His memory lives on amongst loving friends and family from Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, and across the armed forces.

     A graveside service will be held for relatives and friends on Friday, October 18, 2024, 12(Noon) at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Woods Road, Whitesboro where he will be held to rest with beloved wife Sandra.  Members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard will accord Terry’s full military honors.    

     The family wishes to acknowledge the incredible care provided by the hospice nurses of AccentCare Maryland: Cynthia, Dorthy, Kim, and Melissa, as well as Chaplin Stella and volunteer Jasmin. Terry’s final days were made better through the tremendous care and support provided by this amazing team.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the following organizations: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Prince George’s County Maryland Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center.