In Loving Memory of Howard Francis “Butch” McDonald

Howard Francis “Butch” McDonald went home to Jesus on October 11, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 9, 1945, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Margaret Agnes Purcell and James Leo McDonald.

In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by his wife Jewellea and siblings, James William “Jimmy,” Anna Marie “Bitty,” Robert Martin “Bob,” and Martina Kay “Marty.”

Butch was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved. He truly never met a stranger. His warmth, kindness, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone he met. One of his favorite things to say to his family was, “Has anyone told you they love you today? Well, I love you!” Those words perfectly captured the love he so freely gave and will forever be treasured by those who knew him.

Butch proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967.

Butch and Jewellea raised their family in Louisville, Kentucky, where he worked for Reynolds for more than 30 years. After retiring, Butch and his beloved wife, Jewellea, made their home in Palm Coast, Florida. There, they enjoyed a wonderful life together, spending their days playing cards, bocce ball, and bowling, as well as dining out and sharing laughter with friends. Butch was also a member of Parkview Church, where his faith remained an important part of his life.

A proud and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 40 years, Butch dedicated much of his life to helping others. Through jail ministry and mentoring countless men on their journeys to sobriety, he offered encouragement, compassion, and hope. His commitment to serving others reflected his deep faith and his desire to help people discover a better path forward. His willingness to walk alongside others through life’s challenges was a meaningful part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Butch and Jewellea shared more than 50 years of love, laughter, and unwavering partnership, building a beautiful life and a lasting legacy together. Their love for one another and their family will continue to live on through the generations.

Butch is survived by his sister, Patricia Wagner, of Louisville, Kentucky; his children, Tim (Tammy) McDonald of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; Bryan (Dedee) McDonald of Shepherdsville, Kentucky; Melissa (Robbie) Davis of Henderson, Kentucky; and James (Yuko) McDonald of Melbourne, Florida.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Michael (Cortnie) McDonald, Hannah Mattingly, Stephen (Amber) McDonald, Jerrid McDonald, Madelyn (Paul) Stampley, Matthew Stampley, Levi (Casey) Davis, Laci (Avery) Pitt, Jimmy McDonald, and Shawn McDonald.

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Bailey, Benson, Paxton, Prestyn, Easton, Boaz, Gracelyn, Bennett, and Amos. Another precious addition, Howard Scott “Howie,” his namesake, is expected in February.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Halifax Health – Hospice Care Center in Ormond Beach in Butch’s memory.

https://halifaxhealth.org/hospice-donation-portal

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Halifax Health – Hospice Care Center in Ormond Beach for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Butch and his loved ones.

In keeping with Butch’s wishes, there will be no formal service. He wanted to be remembered not for his death, but for the life he lived. And what a life it was—one filled with faith, family, friendship, laughter, service, and love.

The family invites you to share a favorite memory, story, or words of remembrance on Butch’s tribute wall. In doing so, we can celebrate the life he lived, the lives he touched, and the love he leaves behind.