Obituary: Neal Dunham MacDonald

Neal Dunham MacDonald (September 8, 1943- June 9, 2022)

With much sadness, the family of Neal MacDonald announces his passing at the age of 78. Neal died on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at the home that he built 49 years ago. It is the home where he and his loving wife, Phyllis Parks MacDonald of 54 years raised their two children, Maureen (Brad) Stein and Brian (Patricia) MacDonald. It is also the home where he simply enjoyed watching his grandchildren, Austin Stein, Tyler Neal Stein, Sydney MacDonald, and Colin MacDonald grow to adulthood.

Neal was a proud graduate of Joliet Township High School (1961), Joliet Junior College (1963), and Northern Illinois University Illinois (NIU). He received a Bachelor of Arts (1965) and Master of Science in Education from NIU (1971).

Neal was an exceptional athlete in high school and college. At Northern Illinois University, he played on the 1968 National Championship Football team. He also competed in wrestling, winning the National Heavyweight Championship for NIU in 1965. He was honored by both Joliet Junior College and Northern Illinois University by being inducted into their respective Halls of Fame. With parenthood, Neal transitioned from athlete to coach and cheerleader. He was always the most passionate fan in the stands.

Neal was also an Eagle Scout which is the highest award in Boy Scouts. His adventures with the Scouts led to a love of outdoor sports. He was an avid fisherman spending many hours in a fishing boat in Canada and Lake of Egypt looking for his next catch. The best part of any fishing trip for Neal was the time spent with his family and lifelong friends.

Neal was also a Master Mason belonging to the Plainfield Masonic Lodge #536. He received his 50 Year pin in 2021.

Other hobbies included hunting, writing poetry, and woodworking. Neal created tables, benches, and works of art that adorn his home as well as the homes of his loved ones.

Neal worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections for twenty years; with nine years spent as the Warden of Sheridan Correctional Facility. He also worked for the Illinois Tollway as Director of Toll Services. He was instrumental in the implementation of the IPASS System.

Neal will be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven by his mother, Phyllis (nee Jones) MacDonald, his father, Clarence D. MacDonald, and his sister, LouTrelle (MacDonald) Fenoglio. Also embracing him will be his beloved mother-in-law, Marge Parks, beloved father-in-law, Frank Parks Jr., and brother-in-law, Robert Baitinger. He will also be reunited with his best friend and fellow angler, William Frescura.

Neal cared deeply for many. Thank you to Carolyn Baitinger, Barb Lantz, and Emily Lantz for being loving family members. Thank you Pat Frescura and Rich (Kathy) Carlson for being lifelong friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 3:00-6:00 PM at Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 S. Joliet Rd., Plainfield, IL.

Masonic Services will be held Wednesday, 6:00 PM in the funeral home.

A Celebration of Neal's Life and sharing of memories will follow at 6:00PM at Overman-Jones Funeral Home.

Future inurnment: Plainfield Township Cemetery, Plainfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Neal’s memory may be made to:

Lightways (formerly Joliet Area Community Hospice), Development Office, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL, (815) 740-4104, https://lightways.org/

or

Plymouth Congregational Church, 24022 Lockport St., Plainfield, IL 60544, (815) 436-3409, http://www.plymouthcongregational.org/

For more information, please visit www.overman-jones.com or call (815) 436-9221.