Philip K. McDonald

June 30, 1957 – February 7, 2026

Philip Kevin McDonald, 68, of Tomball, Texas passed away on February 7, 2026, in Tomball, Texas.

A private burial was held in Pinehurst, Texas.

Phil was born on June 30, 1957, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Bernard J. and Iris J. (Christensen) McDonald. He grew up on the family farm near Underwood, Iowa, alongside his siblings: Tim, Rick, Paul, Marcia, and Joyce.

Phil graduated from Underwood High School in May 1975. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and later received a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Virginia.

From 1985 to 2024, Phil worked as a process engineer in more than 27 cities and for numerous companies across the United States. He especially enjoyed solving fluid flow and thermodynamics problems. Among the highlights of his career was his work in Washington, D.C., where he was part of a chemical demilitarization team that developed safety processes for the destruction of chemical weapons. One of the final projects Phil worked on, based in Houston, involved serving on the LEEDS project team that produced purified water from oil field water for irrigation and livestock use.

As his career took him across the country, Phil found great joy in exploring each new place he lived. Some of his favorite travels included touring the Blue Ridge Highway, visiting the lakes of northern Minnesota, and exploring New York City. He especially enjoyed learning about the local culture and food wherever he went.

Phil’s faith was clear, confident, and deeply rooted in the Bible. He believed with all his heart that salvation was God’s gift through Jesus alone, received simply by faith. Since first believing in 1975, he lived with the assurance of eternal life and looked forward with peace and hope to heaven.

Phil is survived by his siblings: Rick (Cindy) McDonald of Oakland, Iowa; Paul McDonald of Underwood, Iowa; Marcia McDonald of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Joyce (Richard) Hardesty of Crescent, Iowa; his sister-in-law, Jan McDonald of Niceville, Florida; ten nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Iris McDonald; his brother, Tim McDonald; and his sister-in-law, Rose McDonald.

Visitation and luncheon for family and friends will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Reception Center, 1350 E. Pierce St. Council Bluffs, Iowa.