Kernek Elmer McDonald, Kenny as some of you may know him, born the 18th June 1957, in Holdenville, Oklahoma to Elmer and Hazel Marguerite (Wages) McDonald of Calvin, Oklahoma was raised as a mechanic and welder. Graduating as Valedictorian of his class in 1975, Kernek joined the US Army in July 1975.

Upon completion of Basic and AIT in Fort Polk, Louisiana, he was assigned to his home base, Fort Riley, Kansas A transfer to several temporary stations in Europe resulted in receiving instruction of Rock Climbing and both Calm and Whitewater Kayaking, ending with an ascent of the Alpspitze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. At his return stateside, Kernek was temporarily stationed in Alaska. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in Alaska. He returned to civilian life in 1979 Fulfilling a long-awaited dream, Kenny was finally able to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Finance, through correspondence courses, while working full-time, and was only able to do so with the support of his wife and family.

Kenny and his family moved back to Oklahoma in 2012 when they purchased Special Parts Manufacturing, Inc. Kenny not only served as CEO of Special Parts Manufacturing, but Kernek and his wife also manage McDonald Land Company, LLC as well.

Kenny was a member of American Legion Post #32 in Holdenville. He joined Holdenville Masonic Lodge #123 of Holdenville in 2021. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons, and a Knight Templar of McAlester, Oklahoma. He was a Past Master of Holdenville Lodge and served a District Deputy Grand Master of District #29 of Oklahoma in 2025.

He is survived by his loving wife, Greta; his children, Jennifer Hauser of Taos, New Mexico, Matthew McDonald of Norman, Oklahoma, and Samantha Peek, Sabrina Young (Kyle Young), and Rachel McDonald, all of Holdenville, Oklahoma; his sisters Darla English, Linda Calvert, and Regina Hightower; grandchildren Lorali North, Kennedy North, Lila Peek, Sophia Peek, and Adelina Morales; nephew Bryan Simpkins (Laura); and nieces Angela Fold (Chad), Denise Laughlin and Johnathan Laughlin. He also leaves many friends, co-workers, and Masonic brothers.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Holdenville, Oklahoma with Bob Peters officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Cooper, David Cooper, Bryan Simpkins, Steve Peters, Mark McFadden, and Ronnie Gragg.