Clifford E. Donaldson

Clifford E. Donaldson, 80 of Carmichaels, Pa., died at 8:15 P.M. on Saturday, March 21, 2009 in his home with his family by his side following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 16, 1928 in Edgewater, Ala., a son of the late William and Nettie (Kesterson) Donaldson. Mr. Donaldson was a 23 year veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps having served during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He retired with the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. After serving his country, Mr. Donaldson worked as a caseworker for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Assistance in Waynesburg, Pa, he then worked at the Nemacolin Mine for about 12 years. Later, he worked as a courier for Community Bank in Carmichaels. He and his late wife, Anna Jean (Hughes) Donaldson, owned and operated an antique store in Carmichaels for several years in the late 1970's. The couple were married on August 4, 1951 and she died on February 22, 2009. Mr. Donaldson enjoyed gardening and his hobby was repairing clocks and watches. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America Nemacolin Local 6290. Surviving are three sons, Mark C. Donaldson of Martin, Pa., Jeffrey J. Donaldson and his wife, Terri of Carmichaels and David E. Donaldson, his caregiver at home; two daughters, Bette Jo Helmick and her husband, Jerry of Carmichaels and Laura J. Horwath and her husband, Joseph of Uniontown, Pa.; nine grandchildren, Michelle Donaldson, Chrissy Donaldson, Ashley Donaldson, Wendi Kinross, Jeffrey Donaldson, Jerry Helmick, Sondra Lemley, John Helmick and Amanda Horwath; five great grandchildren, A. J. Donaldson, Luke Donaldson, Garrett Helmick, Chance Lemley and Camryn Lemley; two brothers, Joseph Donaldson and his wife, Ginnie of Gulf Shores, Ala. and James "Buck" Donaldson of Birmingham, Ala. and several nieces and nephews. Deceased in addition to his wife and parents are a son, William Arnold Donaldson, who died in infancy; a daughter, Mary Ann Donaldson; four brothers, Larry Donaldson, Harold Donaldson, Robert Donaldson and William "Lefty" Donaldson and two sisters, Betty Hood and Frances Nay. There will be no public viewing. The arrangements are in charge of Yoskovich Funeral Home, Carmichaels, Pa. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to: Cumberland American Legion Post 400 Building Fund, 205 E. George St., Carmichaels, Pa. 15320-1203.