Promoted to Glory: Major Mike McDonald
Major Mike McDonald was Promoted to Glory from his home in Midlothian, TX on April 25, 2024, at the age of 80.
Michael Raymond McDonald was born on January 3, 1944, in Philadelphia, PA, to parents John & Helen McDonald.
While attending a music camp at Salvation Army Camp Upland in Pennsylvania Mike came to know the Lord as his personal Savior. That encounter, along with the skills learned at the music camp, developed a deep love for music and for winning others to the Lord through Salvation Army banding.
Mike later served in the U.S. Army and played in the Fort McPherson Third Army Band in Atlanta.
Through the witness of many corps officers and local officers, and through his mentor, Brigadier Leslie Hall, Mike began to understand that God was calling him to serve as a Salvation Army officer. He testified to God working in and through his life as he saw God equipping him to minister in ways he could not have done on his own.
He entered the School for Officers’ Training in 1972 as a member of the Followers of Christ session of cadets and was commissioned with the rank of Lieutenant in June 1974.
While at the Training College, he met Cadet Bette Jo Salmon, and they were married in Birmingham, AL, after her commissioning in 1975. Their daughter, Bethany, was born in August 1977. As Bethany grew and joined the marching band at her school, Mike was thrilled to watch her performances and encouraged her to continue pursuing music. He proudly attended games, supporting and cheering on the band during each show.
Throughout their career, Majors Mike & Bette Jo served effectively in varied appointments in the South and also in the Eastern Territory.
Major Mike was dedicated to teaching others to play musical instruments and to use their abilities to honor and glorify God. He had a fun-loving attitude and shared that with the students he taught and the bands that he led. Major Mike would often tell the students to “blow salvation through their horn.”
He served as Divisional Music Director for three Southern divisions (Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi, Maryland-West Virginia, and Kentucky-Tennessee). Through his leadership in divisional music events and summer conservatories, he impacted hundreds of young lives and all who had the opportunity to sit under his ministry.
Major Mike enjoyed serving in the New York Staff Band from 1983-1987 and being a member of the Southern Territorial Band for over 20 years.
Majors Mike & Bette Jo McDonald enjoyed 13 years of retirement together and loved being able to spend time with their daughter, Bethany, and two grandchildren, Ella and Micah Clanton.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on May 6, 2024, at the Midlothian Funeral Home.