Mark McDonnell
– June 13, 2019
Mark McDonnell, 97, passed away June 13, 2019, after a brief illness, in Sun City Center, Fla. Mark passed peacefully with his wife of 70 years, Mary, holding his hand. Sons Matt and Michael were also close by for him.
Mark was born November, 18, 1921, near Minneapolis, Minn., to Leo and Mary McDonnell. He had one brother, Glenn McDonnell. After high school he attended St John’s University in Minneapolis. When the war started, both brothers joined the Army Air Corps (later the U.S. Air Force), and both became fighter pilots.
Mark flew P-51 and P-40 fighter planes with the 122nd “Dragonfly” squadron in the Burma/China Theatre until the end of the war. Both the U.S. and Chinese Governments recognize them as part of the celebrated “Flying Tigers.”
After the war, Mark returned to Minnesota to finish his graduate work, remaining in the Air Force reserve and teaching ROTC programs. He eventually retired as a Lt. Colonel.
Mark and Mary married February 19, 1949, and returned to Minnesota, eventually moving to Spokane, Wash., where Mark taught Economics and Business Administration, and ROTC at Gonzaga University for some 30 years. They remain avid “Bulldog” fans.
Mark and Mary moved to Sun City Center in 1999. Mark enjoyed playing golf, cruises and trips all over the world, often with family and friends. They returned to China on numerous occasions by invitation. Mark’s status as a “Flying Tiger” was highly respected and admired by the Chinese people.
One of Mark and Mary’s favorite pastimes was to help pick up and deliver baked goods and other items to the Lady of Guadeloupe food pantry on Saturday mornings. They had been doing this together for several years.
Mark is survived by his wife Mary; sons, Matt, Michael and Greg; daughters, Louise and Susan; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. There will be no services scheduled at this time.
Mark was born November, 18, 1921, near Minneapolis, Minn., to Leo and Mary McDonnell. He had one brother, Glenn McDonnell. After high school he attended St John’s University in Minneapolis. When the war started, both brothers joined the Army Air Corps (later the U.S. Air Force), and both became fighter pilots.
Mark flew P-51 and P-40 fighter planes with the 122nd “Dragonfly” squadron in the Burma/China Theatre until the end of the war. Both the U.S. and Chinese Governments recognize them as part of the celebrated “Flying Tigers.”
After the war, Mark returned to Minnesota to finish his graduate work, remaining in the Air Force reserve and teaching ROTC programs. He eventually retired as a Lt. Colonel.
Mark and Mary married February 19, 1949, and returned to Minnesota, eventually moving to Spokane, Wash., where Mark taught Economics and Business Administration, and ROTC at Gonzaga University for some 30 years. They remain avid “Bulldog” fans.
Mark and Mary moved to Sun City Center in 1999. Mark enjoyed playing golf, cruises and trips all over the world, often with family and friends. They returned to China on numerous occasions by invitation. Mark’s status as a “Flying Tiger” was highly respected and admired by the Chinese people.
One of Mark and Mary’s favorite pastimes was to help pick up and deliver baked goods and other items to the Lady of Guadeloupe food pantry on Saturday mornings. They had been doing this together for several years.
Mark is survived by his wife Mary; sons, Matt, Michael and Greg; daughters, Louise and Susan; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. There will be no services scheduled at this time.