Brandon W. McDonald

Brandon W. McDonald, 54, of Plano, Texas, passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025 after a brief but courageous fight with cancer.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM, on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano.

Brandon’s service will be livestreamed through the parish website.

He was born in Pampa, Texas on February 24, 1971, to Gail and Charles McDonald, Brandon grew up surrounded by family, faith, and a love for the outdoors. He spent countless days hunting and fishing with his dad and granddad, learning early on the value of patience, respect for nature, and a quiet sense of determination that would define his life. In addition to hunting and fishing he also liked spending time at the lake house at Conchas Lake in New Mexico.

In high school, Brandon's athleticism and drive shone brightly. He was a standout in football, track and field, and baseball, but even more than his talent, it was his work ethic and heart that set him apart.

Brandon had an insatiable curiosity and a love for learning that stayed with him throughout his life. He never stopped questioning, exploring, and growing-always seeking out new perspectives and better ways to understand the world around him. He had a sharp mind, a quick wit, and a unique way of seeing things that challenged and inspired those lucky enough to know him.

In 1995, while attending the University of North Texas, Brandon met Brandi, the love of his life and best friend. They built a life together filled with laughter, deep conversations, and shared dreams. They were married on October 1, 2002, and for 23 beautiful years, their love remained constant in every adventure, challenge, and quiet moment in between.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Willadean and Harold Dean Cradduck; paternal grandparents, Kent and Georgia McDonald; and by an uncle, Mark Cradduck and wife Becky Cradduck; and brother-in-law, Jeff Close.

Brandon is survived by his loving wife, Brandi (Close) McDonald of Plano, Texas; mother and stepfather, Gail and Ronnie Anderson of Pampa, Texas; father and stepmother, Charles and Linda McDonald of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; brothers, Ryan and Scott McDonald of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and his in-laws, Charles and Susie Close of Roanoke, Indiana; stepsiblings, Chad Anderson and wife Sarah of McKinney, and Charity Robbins and husband Tony of Corinth; cousins, Garrett Cradduck and wife Amy of Huntsville, and Hugh Cradduck and wife Jennifer of Ohio; and six second cousins.

Those who knew Brandon will remember his thoughtful nature, his dry sense of humor, his fierce loyalty, and his ability to make people think deeply and laugh and the hearts he loved —will be felt forever. often. He left this world far too soon, but his impact—on the lives he touched.