Linda Ann McDonald

Linda Ann Tripulas McDonald

Linda Ann Tripulas McDonald, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and faithful servant of God, was born in Wharton, Texas, on April 15, 1947, to Gus and Faye Tripulas. Linda lived a life rooted in faith, family, and friendship until August 24, 2026, when she entered Eternal Rest after a difficult, prolonged illness. Through it all, friends and family near and far continued to love and include her in the goings-on of their lives.

Linda grew up in Wharton and was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where her faith became the foundation of her life and the church became the center of her spiritual and social world. As a young girl, she was active in Girl Scouts and formed friendships that remained dear to her throughout her life. She loved the simple joys of growing up in Wharton—attending football games, spending time with friends, and gathering at the Dairy Princess.

During those years, Linda met the love of her life, WCJC football star Johnny McDonald. The two married and began a life together filled with family, community, and faith. They welcomed their daughter, Kimberly Kay McDonald Oldham, and son, Truman Neil McDonald. After a brief time in Corpus Christi, Linda and Johnny returned to Wharton County with their young family, where they would make their home and put down lasting roots.

Linda and Johnny first raised their children in New Gulf before building their home in Boling, Texas. Linda became an active and devoted member of both the Boling and Wharton communities. After working several jobs, she found a career she loved as a library assistant with Boling Independent School District. She remained there until her retirement in 2008, sharing her love of books and learning with generations of students. As empty-nesters, John and Linda moved to Wharton in 1995 to be closer to their beloved nephew “Dude” and niece Alex, whom they nurtured like grandparents.

Her devotion to St. Thomas Episcopal Church remained a constant throughout her life. Linda faithfully served on the Altar Guild, Blue Aprons, Bread Bakers, and other church committees and was a proud member of the Daughters of the King. For Linda, church was much more than a place of worship—it was where she found fellowship, friendship, purpose, and a deep sense of belonging.

Following retirement, Linda continued to nurture her many interests and friendships. She continued to fulfill her love of children by becoming a CASA advocate. She joined the Garden Club and participated in a women’s Bible study in East Bernard. She loved reading, decorating, gardening, ancestry, and birdwatching. Most of all, she loved being a grandmother, and enthusiastically supported her grandchildren in the everyday moments of their lives.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Faye Tripulas, and by her beloved husband, John “Johnny” McDonald. She is survived by her brother, David Tripulas, and his wife, Michelle; nephew David Tripulas, his wife, Katie, and their daughter, Kinsley; niece Alexandra, her husband Grayson and their daughter Sophia; daughter Kimberly Kay McDonald Oldham; son Truman Neil McDonald; daughter-in-law Janice; granddaughter Cassidy; grandson Keaton and his wife, Logan; and her two great-grandsons, Iver and Lochlan.

Linda will be interred in the Cinerarium and Prayer Garden at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where she will rest beside Johnny, the love of her life. There, surrounded by the church and community that meant so much to her, she will remain close to him on earth until the day they are reunited in everlasting glory. She will be remembered for her concern for others, devotion to her community, and the quiet ways she made the lives of those around her better. All who were blessed to know her will miss her deeply.