One more thing was added to the Memorial Day and Veterans Memorial Dedication ceremony at the Athens Cemetery Monday morning: Bob McDonald was honored for all his work at the cemetery.
In addition to proclamations that were entered into the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate, Congressman Jeb Hensarling told the crowd he read the following into the Congressional Record on May 22:
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize Mr. Bob McDonald from Athens, Texas. Mr. McDonald is to be commended for his work to support and maintain the historic Athens Cemetery in Henderson County, Texas.
A retired engineer, Mr. McDonald began his work at the cemetery at a time when it was badly in need of refurbishment. He designed and oversaw the installation of a new sprinkler system, a new brick entry and wrought-iron fencing, a columbarium, and numerous other improvements. For more than fifteen years, he has played a vital role in the cemetery’s operation, serving as treasurer, public liaison, and overseer of the grounds.
Mr. McDonald also spearheaded efforts to research and classify the cemetery’s interments so that visitors could easily find the graves they sought. He also created a roster of veterans buried at the cemetery that dates back to 1850, which is sorted according to the conflict in which the veterans served.
Mr. McDonald also volunteers his time at the East Texas Arboretum, and is a former member of the Trinity Valley Community College Board of Trustees. He was honored as the Athens Citizen of the Year in 1999.
I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the entire 5th Congressional District of Texas, to thank Mr. Bob McDonald for his dedicated philanthropy to the citizens of Henderson County, Texas.