Charles W. McDonald

First Municipal Judge of Northville - 50th District Judge - Pontiac
He was born in Bad Axe, Michigan on January 12, 1929 and attended grade school and high school there. While in high school, he captained the track team in 1946 and was a member of the squad that qualified for the State Finals in his junior and senior years. Bad Axe finished second in the state his junior year. He enrolled at Wayne State University in 1947 and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at Wayne, he was honored with a Gold Key for Excellence in Political Science and ran with the cross country team that was undefeated. In 1950 he enrolled at the University of Detroit Law School and graduated in 1953 as President of his Senior Class, his Legal Fraternity and the Moot Court Club. Upon graduation from Law School he started and practiced law in Redford, Michigan. He continued the practice of law for 35 years until he was appointed District Judge in Pontiac, Michigan in 1988. He was elected as First Municipal Judge of Northville in 1961 and served two terms. In 1967, he purchased The Novi Inn and resigned the judgeship. The Novi Inn - Bar and Resturant was run by the family for twenty years and was sold in 1986. He retired as District Judge in 1995. During his career, he was a member of the Monaghan Knights of Columbus for 56 years. He was also a member of Western Golf and Country Club for 42 years having served on its Board of Directors for six years. Surviving him are his wife Marlene and five children: Timothy McDonald, Dr. Thomas McDonald, Margaret Grzesiak, Charles McDonald Jr. and Terrence McDonald. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren. Visitation will be held at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth on Friday from 4pm until 8pm. A Rosary Service will be held Friday evening. Vistation will continue on Saturday from 6:30pm until time of the Funeral Mass at 7pm at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 Haggerty Road ( South of Five Mile) Plymouth, with Father Thomas Belczak officating. In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the church or the charity of your choice in Chuck's honor.