Born: June 28, 1937

Passed Away: September 20, 2026

Age: 89

Residence: Rosedale – Bakersfield, California

Verlin “Pete” McDonald was born in Bakersfield, California, and grew up in nearby Wasco. As teenagers working in the California potato fields, Pete met a young lady named Grace Stokes. Their friendship grew into a lifelong love. In 1955, after enlisting in the United States Air Force, Pete married Grace, beginning a marriage that lasted more than seventy years.

In 1964, Pete and Grace bought their first home in Rosedale, where they lived for their entire married lives. Their home reflected who they were — simple, devoted, and steady in the way they worked together through every season of life.

Pete was known for his deep love for his family and his devotion to the Rosedale Church of Christ, where he worshipped for more than fifty years. His faith, friendships, and commitment to his church were central parts of his life.

Pete worked more than forty years harvesting and hauling sugar beets throughout California, Oregon, and Arizona. He took great pride in hard work, long days, and the people he met along the way. His work ethic was steady, humble, and respected.

Music was one of Pete’s greatest joys. He loved playing the guitar and singing, and he played with family, church members, coworkers, and anyone who showed an interest in music. If someone wanted to learn, Pete was ready to teach. If someone wanted to play, Pete was ready to join in.

Pete enjoyed making others laugh — including himself — and was known for telling jokes to friends, strangers, and anyone he met. If you knew Pete, you were likely to receive a phone call or be approached with one of his jokes. And if you knew him well, you probably ended up with a bag of oranges from his prized 55‑year‑old orange tree, which he loved sharing with family, neighbors, and even the tellers at his bank.

Pete loved traveling with family and friends, especially in his travel trailer. He and Grace traveled together, always enjoying simple destinations — places where music was played, card games were shared, Mexican Train was on the table, and they could spend time with down‑to‑earth people.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, William Cecil and Ellen Marie McDonald; his sister, June; and his brothers, Tommy and Billy McDonald. He is survived by his wife, Grace; his children, Cat McDonald (Sharon) and Michael McDonald (Melanie); his grandchildren Alyssa (Travis), Zak, Bowen, Easton, Ruben (Jackie), Aaron, and Andrea; and his great‑grandchildren Ariel, Khara, and Odie; his sister, Linda Plotner; his cousin, Leona Duncan; and many nieces and nephews.

To honor Pete’s tradition of making people smile, the family invites you to share a corny joke in his memory. One of his favorites was: “Where was the first donut made? In Greece.”

Pete, you will be deeply missed.