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Oct. 31, 1934 – Oct. 21, 2023

Services for Marvin Leighton McDonald, Jr., 88, of Natchez, who died Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Natchez, will be at 12:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Natchez with the Rev. Dr. Joan Gandy officiating.

Burial will follow at the Fayette Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time in Stratton Chapel.

He graduated from Natchez High School, Mississippi Southern College the United States Army Command, and General Staff College. He served 25 years in the United States Army and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He received the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star, two Army Commendation Medals, a Joint Services Commendation Medal, twelve Air Medals, and a Purple Heart, and was qualified as a Senior Army Aviator.

He served as band director at both the Jefferson County Public Schools (1958-1961), and the Adams County Christian School (1989–1993) and seventeen years as church organist at Jefferson Street United Methodist Church. He was also retired from the Natchez Water Works with nineteen years of service. He was involved with the installation, operation, and management of the first computer systems at the Natchez Water Works.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela, and their daughter, Connie Ailyne McDonald.

He is survived by his children; Marie M. Daigrepont (Perry), Marvin Leighton McDonald, III (Melissa), and Dr. Jennifer M. Limbaugh (DeWayne); brothers–in-law Skip Wood (Patty) and Erick Young (Gale); grandchildren, Chris Daigrepont (Nicholle), Christy D. Siverd (Keith), Christopher, Michael, Justin, Charlotte McDonald, Ashley Maxcy and Bridget Motto and great-grandchildren, Aubrey and CJ Daigrepont, Leanne and Logan Siverd, Ronnin, Evander and Adella.

He was a member and a Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church in Natchez.

Pallbearers will be four grandsons and two sons-in-law.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Franklin, Jim Barnette, and Mac Hazlip.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church (400 State
Street, 39120), or the Stewpot, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.