Our sympathy is extended to the family of Kernek “Kenny” McDonald
Kernek Elmer McDonald, Kenny as some of you may know him, born 18 June 1957, in Holdenville, Oklahoma to Elmer and Hazel Marguerite (Wages) McDonald of Calvin, Oklahoma was raised as a mechanic and welder, Graduating as Valedictorian of his class in 1975, Kernek attended summer courses at Seminole Junior College, then joined the US Army in July 1975. Upon completion of Basic and AIT in Fort Polk, Louisiana, he was assigned at his home base, Fort Riley, Kansas, where he received beginning language courses to speak German. A transfer to several temporary stations in Europe resulted in receiving instruction of Rock Climbing and both Calm and White Water Kayaking, ending with an ascent of the Alpspitze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Upon successful completion of that training, Kernek received French Commando training in Trier, Germany with the 5th Regiment.
At his return stateside, Kernek was temporarily stationed in Alaska for training in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and excursions with an ahkio. Kernek was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in Alaska. A short stay at home base and then a temporary station for training in the Mojave Desert. Following that stint, Kernek was sent back to Europe at various other temporary stations. Finally back to home base, Fort Riley, Kansas, where he received the distinction and honor of Distinguished Graduate for Primary Non-Commissioned Officers Course/Combat Arms and served as a Section Leader commanding two vehicles equipped with Guided Missiles.
Kernek was described by his superiors as a “Soldier’s Soldier” and referred to by his friends as “Sergeant Rock”. When he had completed some tasks that his teammates thought to be monumental, they would jokingly ask if he also walked on water. Kernek received numerous awards and citations for service and distinction, and when asked by superiors, would gladly provide training for identification and capabilities of enemy and ally vehicles, to the troops in his Battalion. Dressing in full Russian military uniform that he borrowed from the base Museum, it was quite a hit all around.
While in the military, he studied both rotary Wing and Fixed Wing Aircraft operations, and took college courses, as time and training allowed Returning to civilian life in 1979, Kenny filled many different positions in varying industries including Pipe-Fitter/Welder, Quality Manager, Production Manager, Plant Manager, and Vice-President. Kenny especially enjoyed working with his two Brothers-in-law and their families for the several years he lived in Colorado.
Fulfilling a long-awaited dream, Kenny was finally able to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Finance, through correspondence Courses, while working full-time, and was only able to do so with the support of his wife and family.
Kenny co-designed a device which received a patent and is in use within the Natural Gas industry across the globe.
Kenny and his family moved back to Oklahoma in 2012 when they purchased Special Parts Manufacturing, Inc. Kenny not only served as CEO of Special Parts Manufacturing, but Kernek and his wife also manage McDonald Land Company, LLC as well.
Kenny and his family also enjoyed buying homes, remodeling them, and reselling them, working evenings and weekends.
Kenny was a member of American Legion Post #32 in Holdenville. He joined Holdenville Masonic Lodge # 123 of Holdenville in 2021. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons, and a Knight Templar of McAlester, Oklahoma. He was a Past Master of Holdenville Lodge and served a District Deputy Grand Master of District # 29 of Oklahoma in 2025.
Kenny served on the Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board for several years and also served on the Executive Committee.
Kenny is preceded in death by his father, Elmer Quinton McDonald and mother, Hazel Marguerite (Wages) McDonald. He is survived by his loving wife, Greta, his children, Jennifer Hauser, Taos, New Mexico. Matthew McDonald, Norman, Oklahoma. Samantha Peek, Holdenville, Oklahoma. Sabrina Young (Kyle Young), Holdenville, Oklahoma. Rachel McDonald, Holdenville, Oklahoma. His sister Darla English, Linda Calvert, Regina Hightower. His grandchildren Lorali North, Kennedy North, Lila Peek, Sophia Peek, Adelina Morales, nephew Bryan Simpkins (Laura), nieces Angela Fold (Chad), Denise Laughlin and Johnathan Laughlin. Many friends, co-workers, and Masonic brothers.
Kenny leaves behind a message for his children, taken from a song by Lee Ann Womack, which states ‘And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I HOPE YOU DANCE’ Honorary pallbearers are Mike Cooper, David Cooper, Bryan Simpkins, Steve Peters, Mark McFadden, and Ronnie Gragg.
Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Holdenville, Oklahoma with Bob Peters officiating.
Services under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home, Holdenville.
