Keith Alan McDonald

CANFIELD — Keith Alan McDonald died on February 11, 2026, at the age of 67, at Hospice House.

He was born on June 14, 1958, in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of the late Jack McDonald and the former Helen Elizabeth Christoff.

Keith was a 1976 graduate of Boardman High School, where he was a member of the school band. He furthered his education at Youngstown State University, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration. He excelled as a Benefits Manager with AVI Food Systems in Warren after working twenty-four years with Trustmark Insurance Co. as a Second Vice President, Benefits where he cared for a team of over 80 employees.

He married Rae Ann Elliott on June 9, 1990, with whom he shared a deep love for children. As a husband, he loved creating the foundation and space for his wife, Rae Ann, to shine, from her dedication to volunteer work to making every moment of their children’s childhood special. Their shared love also extended to volunteering in Sunday School for thirty-five years the final twenty-five they worked side by side nurturing the spirits of two-year-olds at Old North Church.

Keith created a steady rhythm in his home life and recreation. To say he was a creature of habit would be an understatement. His love for his home was evident in his meticulous yard work, seasonal decorations, and the garden he nurtured, especially pumpkins. Weekly church attendance, fall visits to Detwiler Farm, holiday celebrations with family and friends, vacations to Geneva-on-the-Lake, and attending the Ohio State–Michigan game with friends were hallmark touchpoints for cherished memories each year.

In his later years, he found joy in his role as a grandfather and, through retirement, also spent his days as a substitute teacher, caring for kindergarten and first-grade students at South Range.

Keith lived a simple and quiet life. From the outside looking in, it appeared nothing out of the ordinary, exactly as he wanted it. But for those who were able to look inside, they knew how special that stability was. Even as he battled cancer, he very rarely showed signs of despair or pain. His consistent answer when asked how he was feeling during that battle was, “Oh, just a little tired.” He sought to display a sense of peace, and through the final day of his life, he succeeded. He went to the grave with hope and is now in the presence of his Savior.

Keith is survived by his wife, Rae Ann McDonald; daughter, Maggie McDonald; four sons, Jack (Olivia), Danny (Rachel), Charlie, and Sammy McDonald, all of Canfield; two brothers, Chris and Kevin McDonald; six grandchildren, Theo, Judah, Elsie, Apollos, Juniper, and Sage McDonald; and a niece, Michelle (Rob) Ehrhart.

A funeral service will be celebrated at Old North Church on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Prior to the service, calling hours will be held at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Additional calling hours will take place at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starrs Centre Drive, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Keith's memory may be made to the Hope and Glory Kids Club Inc.

Family and friends are invited to visit Keith's obituary on www.higgins-reardon.com to share condolences or to make a donation to the Hope and Glory Kids Club Inc.

Make a donation to Hope and Glory Kids Club Inc in memory of Keith Alan McDonald