Barbourville, Ky. – Leslie A. McDonald, 77, of Heidrick, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Leslie was a well-loved member of the Knox County community. Leslie was raised in Heidrick, lovingly born to James and Martha (Deaton) McDonald on Christmas Eve, 1942.
After graduating from Knox Central High School, Leslie entered the United States Army, where he proudly served his country for two years before returning home.
On July 16, 1966, he married, on his bride’s twenty-first birthday, the love of his life, Mitzi Sue Reams. Leslie and Mitzi enjoyed a long, loving and happy union, to which one beloved daughter, Richi Lyn, was born.
Leslie worked for many years building both commercial buildings and residential homes for Boggs Construction. Along with his brother, Harold C., Leslie then owned and operated for many years, McDonald’s Concrete in Heidrick.
Leslie was a life-long member of the Heidrick Holliness Church. He was an avid fan of University of Kentucky basketball, often attending many games court-side in Rupp Arena, with his wife Mitzi. Leslie loved gardening – especially growing green beans and tomatoes, which were his plants of choice. He also adored spending time with his four-legged companions, Chloe and Duke.
Leslie’s family unit – Mitzi, Richi Lyn, and Blake was humble in size, but grand in the devotion they felt and showed to one another. Leslie was filled with love as well, for his family of origin and for his extended family members.
In addition to his parents, Leslie was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Richi Lyn. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Beverly Prichard of London and by one brother, Sharrell McDonald of Barbourville, and a beloved nephew, Jeff McDonald.
Leslie is survived by his loving wife, Mitzi; by one grandson, Leslie Allen Blake Broughton; by one step-granddaughter, Kiara Broughton; by one sister, Marcia Hopper and her husband, Lewis of Barbourville; by one brother, Harold C. and his wife, Geneva of Deleon Springs, Florida; by one son-in-law, Perry Broughton and his wife Melina; by his sister-in-law, Nikki Reams Sowders Elliott; by one brother-in-law, Coy Prichard, of London; by three special friends: “J.J.” Paul Lockard and Jim and Gail Smith; and by many loving nieces and nephews. Numerous friends and community members are also left behind to mourn his passing.
Respecting the Executive Order issued by Governor Andy Beshear and following the recommendations from the CDC regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, all services for Leslie A. McDonald will be private.
To leave an online condolence or to sign the on-line register for the McDonald Family, please visit our website at www.hopperfuneralhome.com. Additionally, the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, Inc. will gladly sign the register/condolence record for you, if you call us at 606.546.4141.
If you would like to send a condolence “gift” to the McDonald family, they have asked for donations to be made to The Humane Society in honor of Leslie’s love of animals.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of all arrangements.
The Hopper Family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, Inc. express our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Leslie A. McDonald.
