Galen Ralstin McDonald

Mullinville-

Galen Ralstin McDonald,“Mac”, passed away at age 80 on July 17, 2026, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Born April 1, 1946, in Larned, he was the son of Glen Eugene and Juanita Elnora (Ralstin) McDonald. A lifelong resident of Mullinville, Mac graduated from Mullinville High School in 1964 and earned a B.S. in Agriculture from Kansas State University in 1969.

Mac lived a life defined by hard work, deep faith, and the type of kindness people never forget. He spent the majority of his adult years as a farmer and rancher before becoming a landman for an oil company, a role he carried with the same honesty and steady dedication that marked everything he did.

In high school Mac was a proud team member of the Mullinville Tigers 1964 State Championship basketball team, along with his brother, Dee. Playing basketball is a memory he cherished and spoke of with a smile. He was also a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity at KSU, the NRA, and served on the board of the Mullinville Co-op. He was a lifetime member of the Mullinville United Methodist Church where he especially enjoyed his role as head pancake flipper for Groundhog Day. His commitment to community ran deep, and he gave generously of his time and heart.

But more than his accomplishments, it was Mac’s presence that people remember most. His hugs were warm, strong, and sincere and offered freely to anyone he met. To know Mac was to feel welcomed, supported, and loved. His impact lives on in the countless lives he touched, the skills he taught, the friends he lifted up, the strangers he met, and the family he cherished.

Mac is survived by his wife, Sharon (Dillon) of almost 58 years. They were married in Boulder, CO on July 20, 1968. Other survivors include two sons and two daughters, Ryan & Amanda McDonald, Council Grove; Shawna & Daren Beltz, Sterling; Melissa & Jim Keller, St. Francis; Kyle & Angela McDonald, Hutchinson.

He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, Samantha and Ethan McDonald; Mallory & Jeb Carlson; Wyatt & Angela Beltz; Lindsey Beltz; Dillon, Will, and Isaac Keller; Kendra and Gavin McDonald; as well as his brother Verlin “Dee” McDonald and his wife, Donna, of Mullinville, brother‑in‑law Marlin Zimmerman of Kansas City, and a large number of extended family. Mac was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Cheryl Zimmerman.

A celebration of Mac’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Mullinville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Alex–Bob Karimu and Dr. Rev. Jim Godbey officiating. Inurnment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Mullinville. Visitation will be held from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the church. Mac’s memory will forever be wrapped in the warmth of those unforgettable hugs.

Memorials are suggested to the Mullinville United Methodist Church, the Mullinville High School Alumni Association, and Hillcrest Cemetery, all in care of Fleener Funeral Home, PO Box 41, Greensburg, KS 67054.