John "Zip" T. McDonald

John “Zip” McDonald, age 84 of Covington, IN died at 1:00 p.m. CST on Friday, October 11, 2013 at the VA Illiana Health Care Center in Danville, IL Zip was born on June 12, 1929 in Chicago, IL. He was the son of Roscoe K. and Faye (Barton) McDonald. He attended Fithian Schools. He married Mary Bruce and she preceded him in death on April 14, 2001. Zip served in the US Navy during World War II and the National Guard. He was a member of the American Motorcycle Club since 1951. He was an avid motorcycle racer, ranked 3rd in Illinois and Indiana in the 1950’s. Zip was a certified motorcycle mechanic. Surviving are, 2 stepchildren, Carol Ritter and Johnny Miller (wife: Jeanne) Step-daughter-in-law, Aletha Ritter 1 half sister, Katherine 9 grandchildren Several great-grandchildren Zip was preceded in death by 1 half sister, Susan, 1 brother, Richard McDonald, 1 half-brother, Robert, stepson, Raymond Ritter, and best friend, George Brown. Visitation will be at Grady Funeral Home in West Lebanon on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. until service time at noon with Pastor John Hickman officiating. Interment will follow at Danville National Cemetery in Danville, IL with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.