Richard Talon “Tally” McDonald
Richard Talon “Tally” McDonald went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
Tally was born on November 11, 1953, in St. Mary’s Hospital in Quincy, IL, son of Richard James McDonald and Phyllis “Kealy” Altgilbers McDonald.
Tally attended St. John’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from Quincy Senior High School. He then graduated from Culver Stockton College in 1975, earning his degree in Business and Economics. At CSC, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After graduation, Tally enjoyed playing golf with his fraternity brothers at the annual Lambda Chi alumni outing.
Tally married Gretchen Ann “Gracie” Kamphaus on July 5, 1975 in St. Boniface Church in Quincy, IL. They are the parents of Austin, and his wife, Lindsey (Hudson) McDonald and grandparents of Sylvie Grace McDonald.
Tally began his work career with his father at K & B Builders in West Quincy, MO. He also worked many years as a salesperson, and later as a service technician for Pella Windows. Tally also worked at Lowe’s, WoodMart Builders, was a Maintenance Engineer selling industrial lightbulbs, and sold security systems for Alert Security. Tally held several special certifications in cabinetry and woodworking. During retirement he worked for Lowe’s GameMasters, and he enjoyed delivering parts for Quincy Auto Supply.
Tally was a member of “Austin’s Army” at St. Francis Church and NWTF, a local turkey association. He was proud to have attended Men’s Cursillo #173.
Tally loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed his time with Austin and family at their camp near Timewell, IL. He loved watching and learning all about trains and sitting in the back yard keeping his eyes on all species of birds. He knew all of their voices, calls, and songs. Tally enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family all over the United States. He was the beloved owner of his dogs, Buster Bear and Gunner Ace. Tally also recently became a proud grandpa for Austin’s pup, Kody James.
Tally was the life of the party sitting around a fire with friends and family. No one had a more wonderful, dry sense of humor. His wit was one of a kind, and no one had better “one-liners.” He brought cheer and laughter to all in his presence.
In recent years, Tally really enjoyed taking long walks and riding his E-bike along the Mississippi on the bottom roads. No one, or no activity, gave him more pleasure than spending time with his granddaughter, Sylvie. She was the love of his life.
Tally is survived by his wife, Gretchen, his son, Austin, eight siblings, Michaeleen (Miki) McDonald and her husband, Kent Kamphaus, of Springfield, IL; Dominic McDonald and his wife, Lisa (Hinton) of Quincy, IL; Kim Hilgenbrinck and her husband, Michael, of Bloomington, IL; Damian McDonald and his wife Lisa (Robey) of Mendon, IL; Christopher McDonald and his wife, Lisa (Kohl) of Liberty, IL; Jennifer McDonald of Bloomington, IL; Gerese (Gerri) Elbe and her husband, Michael, of Quincy, IL; and Blaise McDonald and his wife, Wendy (Marshall) of Liberty, MO. Tally is also survived by brother and sister-in-law, Randy and his wife, Norma (Ehrhardt) Kamphaus of Raleigh, North Carolina.
He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tally was preceded in death by his parents, and infant brother, Jack, his grandparents, Edward and Carrie Altgilbers, and Mary Ann Kill and Robert McDonald, and his mother and father-in-law, Nancy (Roberts) and Richard Kamphaus.
Tally, Gretchen, and their family are deeply grateful for the love, support, and prayers. Tally’s quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and deep love for his family and friends will never be forgotten.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 9:30 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 PM and Saturday morning, May 10, 2025 from 9:00-9:30 AM. at St. Anthony Church.
Father Chase Hilgenbrinck, nephew and Godson of the deceased will serve as officiant. Chase fondly referred to Tally as “Uncle Don Corleone.”
Memorials may be made for Masses at St. Francis Catholic Church, Quincy University’s Chapel, Up ad Down Country for Down’s Syndrome, or the St. Louis Hope Lodge for supporting cancer patients. Service arrangements are with Duker and Haugh Funeral Home.
Gretchen, Austin, Lindsey, Silvie and all of the McDonald family. You have my deepest sympathy for your loss of a great man. Tally was one of a kind. I remember Tally and his humor well from working with Gretchen, two of the finest people I’ve been blessed to know. Tally was so kind and helpful to everyone. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP
Gretchen so sorry to hear the news of Tally’s passing. You gave it your all as usual trying to save him. You as a couple were one of a kind and will never be forgotten. As I fight the same battle that Tally fought I am thankful for Jon and the girls. Family is truly the best. Thinking of you and yours with sympathy.
To the entire family, my sincere condolences. I have so many child hood memories of Tally. Tally, a life well
Lived, but taken too soon….RIP. MIKE
I’m very sorry to hear of Tally’s passing. A great guy and wonderful to be around. RIP
Gretchen-I was so sorry to hear about Tally-I had no idea what you all had been dealing with. Prayers for all of you🙏🏻
Sending my sincere sympathies to the entire McDonald family. Cathy Shields Edgar
Gretchen, I am so sorry to hear of Tally’s passing. I remember his extraordinary bravery at the time of the fire. And your selflessness in helping the family has not been forgotten. I wish I had known him better.
Dear Gretchen and your family, I am deeply shocked to hear the news about Tally’s passing. Since we moved almost six years ago, I don’t catch up on all the news , and I did not realize that he had been ill. I am so very sorry. May God and your memories comfort you and your family during this time. Kent and Sheila Stevenson.
Gretchen, Austin and families,
I am so sorry to hear of Tally’s passing! Prayers for Comfort and Strength at this most difficult time! Hugs to all! He was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed our talks if he was in the shop.
Gretchen , I am very sorry for your loss. Our Prayers are with you and the family.
Dear Gretchen, Austin, and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Tally was such a wonderful, loving man. To all my cousins, I know you will all miss him greatly. I have so many memories of all of us growing up together. My heart is broken for you all. Sending my love and deepest condolences to all of you. Your cousin, Peggy.
So many great memories of the times Blaise and I (and the crew) spent at the cabin on Mark Twain Lake with Tally and the McDonald brothers. All the good advice he gave, as well as support for living life to the fullest, laughing, joking, as well as a warning or lesson here and there in between the one-liners. Tally was such a unique soul and treated us like adults when we were just kids. They don’t make em like that anymore. Rest in Peace, Tally. You made our world a better place. My condolences to his great and grand family.
Our prayers will continue for Gretchen, Austin, and family. Tally was a special man with a heart of gold. I was blessed to know Tally from our college days and being a frat brother. Tally and Gretchen were a lovely couple and their love and strength fought hard against his illness. Tally is with Jesus now.
Gretchen, so very sorry for you loss. Tally was a great friend, and overall just a great person. He will be sadly missed by all that he touched. He will always put a smile on our faces when we think of him.
Gary & Diane
Gretchen, Austin, Lindsey and Sylvie, I’m so very sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to each of you. Tally was one of a kind and will certainly be missed. He set a great example, not just accepting of everyone but had a true interest in all around him. I’ll miss the laughs and his sometimes, unique outlook on any given topic. My prayers are with you all.
Gretchen, I am so sorry to hear about Tally. My favourite memory of him is when we flew you to Minnesota. He was a great guy who is in a better place now. Gods peace to you and your family.
Tally was one of the nicest and kindest people I have the privilege of knowing. A man that was outstanding Tally you will be missed my friend