Page 21 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2025 - Online Magazine

LOCAL LEGENDS

Craig and Ann McDonald:

West Texas Power Couple

by June Hogue

lex Craig McDonald and Ann In January 1960, Craig re-connected served as director of the Panhandle-
(Weaver) McDonald were a with an interesting and talented young South Plains Fair Association,
Adynamic duo who blessed woman who had been a classmate supporter of the Children’s Home
West Texans through their incredible during his Lubbock High School of Lubbock Foundation, elder for
talents and selfless contributions. years. In May of that year, he married Broadway Church of Christ, and
The McDonalds traveled broadly, Ann Weaver, and the city girl became trustee for the Lubbock Christian
contributed to the arts and music in a farmer’s wife. Together they reared University Board. He was active in
various forms, reared three successful three children on a farm located leadership until his passing at age 90
children, and filled the years with between Lorenzo and Ralls. Those on February 2, 2025.
adventure during their 64 years of three (Karen Louis, Eric McDonald,
marriage. and Laura Stewart) are now successful Throughout her adult years, Ann
adults with families of their own. McDonald magically turned what
Craig was born at home in 1935 to many consider a “hobby” into a true
Alex and Lola McDonald. He attended Craig was the fourth of five siblings, artform. Her curiosity about the
Lubbock schools (Dupre Elementary, most of whom were involved in visual world, keen eye, and perfect timing of
Carroll Thompson Junior High, and artforms. He and Ann both grew up the shutter transformed photos with
Lubbock High School). As a student, among creative family members who attention to line, shape, form, color,
Craig developed multiple interests were painters, weavers, and furniture texture, and space. Her photos have
and leadership skills. He served as a builders. Both were influenced by provided personal satisfaction and
student council officer representing Craig’s artistic sister, Conny Martin. have earned recognition and applause
agriculture classes, gained expertise in (In 2023, artwork from 16 members of from those who have viewed her
meat and livestock judging, and was the McDonald family were exhibited work.
active in the Science Club, Art Club, in the Louise Hopkins Underwood
and Future Farmers of America. He Center for the Arts.)
studied Indian lore from his Boy Scout
leader, Frank Runkles, and attained With Ann at his side, Craig’s work
the level of Eagle Scout Order of the ethic and attention to detail were
Arrow. As an adult, he served several acknowledged. In 1962, he was
years on the South Plains Council named Conservationist of the Year;
Advisory Board. later he was Citizen of the Year in
Ralls; and in 1983, he was recognized
Upon graduation from high school in as Agriculturist of the Year. But his
1953, Craig attended the University skills extended beyond excellence
of Denver earning a BSBA degree in in farming. He became a partner in
finance; and in 1957, he volunteered the Hurst Farm Supply John Deere
for the Army. While in the service, dealership in Lorenzo. During that
he worked as a clerk/typist and later time, the company added stores in six
served as desk clerk in France. Upon Texas cities. And in 1973, he became a
his honorable discharge, he focused on director for the First National Bank of
farming in Crosby County. Lubbock focusing on Audit and Loan
Committees until 1983. Craig also

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