Donegal Douglas McCormick, 80, joined his beloved wife in heaven on the morning of Jan. 10, 2015. He was born Feb. 7, 1934, in Middleport, Ohio, to Mac and Francis McCormick. On June 1, 1955, in Jacksonville, N.C., he married Katherine Bope, who preceded him in death. The family moved to Oklahoma, where he grew up as a practical joker and heroic big brother to sister Pat. He also discovered a lifelong love of animals there when his family bought the first of the horses he would own throughout his life. As a teenager, he and his family moved back to Ohio, where he met his future bride. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953, and served honorably until his discharge in 1957. He was a decorated soldier who earned the Marine Corps good conduct, the Korean Service and National Defense Service medals. After his service with the Marines, he joined the Air Force reserves in July 1957 and served with that branch until 1961. The Air Force awarded him a second Good Conduct medal with two bronze loops as well as the Longevity Service Award. After leaving the military, he developed his photography hobby into a small business in Columbus, Ohio. In 1966, he and Kay (Katherine) moved their family to Indiana, where they stayed for 48 years. He continued to work as a freelance photographer, raised seven children with Kay and doted on many pets throughout his life, including his last pair of dogs, Pappy and Bruce. He was a passionate storyteller, a proud Irishman who passed on his heritage to his family, and a father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be remembered for the constant twinkle in his blue eyes, his quick smile and his faith in God. He is at home with Kay now, but is survived and will be missed by the many family members he left behind; seven children: Dennis (and spouse Brenda) McCormick, Erin (and spouse Dan) Burkey, Shannon (and spouse Allen) Kahler, Terry (and spouse Karen) McCormick, Tara Eileen (and spouse Rodney) Bays, Donovan (and spouse Melissa) McCormick and Heather McCormick; 27 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Pat (and spouse Robert) Noecker. Also preceding him in death were his parents; twin sons, Barry and Karry; and a grandson, Corey. A celebration of his life will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Warsaw Missionary Church, 1849 E. Springhill Road, Warsaw, with the Rev. Kenneth Chupp of the church officiating. Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the church. ***** The Siler Funeral Home, 8632 Decatur Road, Fort Wayne, is entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent via silerfuneralservice.com
