John Manderson “Honest John” McDonald III, 88, former chairman of the board and CEO of A. Y. McDonald Industries, Dubuque, Iowa, and president of Brock-McVey Co., Lexington, Kentucky, widower of Barbara Burnham McDonald, his wife of 36 years, died at his residence Monday after a long illness. Born in Dubuque, he was the son of the late John Manderson and Eleanor Wood McDonald Jr.

John was a graduate of Phillips Academy and Yale University before joining the U. S. Air Force in 1952, becoming a 1st Lt. while serving as a Jet Fighter Pilot for five years. In 1957, he joined the A. Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. in Dubuque where he spent his career. In 1964, he moved to Lexington to also serve as president of Brock-McVey Co.

John served on numerous boards in both Dubuque and Lexington. In Lexington he served as campaign chairman and president of United Way of the Bluegrass, JA president, chamber of commerce president and chairman, First Security National Bank and Trust, Blue Grass Community Foundation, Committee of 200, Thomas Moore College, president and chairman American Supply Association, Salvation Army, Triangle Pizza, president Laval Laundry, president Blue Grass Association for Mental Retardation, and Lafayette Club.

John was a member of Lexington Rotary Club, Keeneland Club, Idle Hour Country Club, Lexington Club and had been an avid hunter, golfer and fisherman.

He is survived by his son, John Manderson (Julie) McDonald IV; two daughters, Mary McDonald Gray (David) and Martha McDonald Coyle (and friend Donnie Anderson); seven grandchildren, Christopher Scott McDonald, Hollie Wood Coyle, Anna Catherine McDonald, Grace Elizabeth McDonald and John Manderson ”Quint” McDonald V, all of Lexington, and Barbara Ellen McDonald and Amanda McDonald Scales-Conklin (Dalton), both of Lawrenceburg; his former daughter-in-law, Amy McDonald Ruble; and a special and devoted friend, Becky Planck, Lexington.

John was preceded in death by two children, Scott Andrew McDonald and Heather Young McDonald, and his sister, Margaret McDonald Humphrey.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Friday, May 17 at Milward-Man ‘O War, 1509 Trent Blvd. Burial will be in Dubuque. Memorials to Blue Grass Community Foundation, 499 E. High St., Ste. 112, Lexington 40507; Lexington Rotary Endowment Fund, 401 W. Main, Ste. 305, Lexington 40507; or YMCA, 239 E. High St., Lexington 40507.