Caryl Custer McDonald

Caryl Custer McDonald of Midland, age 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 5, 2021. Services will be 10:00 am Friday June 11, 2021 at Christ Church Anglican in Midland, 5501 N. Midkiff Rd.

Caryl was born April 26, 1945 in Houston, Texas to Betty Lee Fink and Jentus “JW” Matthews. Proud daughter of a baseball player, Caryl moved frequently as a child but eventually settled in and graduated high school from South Houston High School in Pasadena, Texas. That she was voted Miss South Houston High in 1963 – the equivalent of most popular – is a little fact unknown by most but a surprise to none; Caryl loved wholly and selflessly, and that love was reflected by everyone lucky enough to have known her.

Caryl graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in education and was a lifetime enthusiast of Longhorn football.  Although an inconsequential college beau can be credited for her move to Midland, Caryl never left. She built a life of over 50 years, rich with family and friends, in a place she loved dearly.

Family and friendship were most important to Caryl. Longtime childhood friends and new acquaintances alike describe her as sincere, giving, and always true to herself and others. She was a devoted mother, and her love for her 6 granddaughters was immeasurable, truly unmatched. Caryl was also a loving and loyal sister and aunt. As wife, Caryl blessed the lives of Bruce for 18 years, Art for 27, and Dick who she had recently reconnected with and married in 2018, and with whom she was excited for travel and loving companionship.

Caryl loved children and committed both her working and personal life supporting youth programs and inspiring young people of all ages. Her career began at Bowie Elementary School as a second-grade teacher and ended in student services at Midland Community College.

Children loved Caryl. Often called the “Baby Whisperer,” Caryl could comfort a crying infant effortlessly. She was the favorite mom of all of Carrie and Jason’s high school friends, again because of her exceptional ability to listen and love without judgement. Later in life, Caryl gave generously to education organizations and youth ministries.

An excellent cook, Caryl loved trying new recipes for family and friends. She enjoyed art, especially photography, and loved to read. Caryl also loved to travel, especially to the mountains of Colorado. She enjoyed fashion and could doubtlessly be described as the most well put-together woman in any room. Even in the hospital in her final few days of life, Caryl was the one with the most beautiful hair and nails, her coral fingernail polish and perfectly manicured cuticles easily eclipsing every other woman on the eighth floor.

Caryl was very active in her church, and her Christian faith was a central part of her life and her actions set a faithful example for all to follow.

Caryl is survived by husband Dick McDonald, daughter and son-in-law Carrie and Michael Griffith, step-children David and Jean Custer, Susan Wallar, Andrew and Vicki Custer, and grandchildren Megan and husband Carl, Georgia (15), Ava (13), Nola (11), Mabel (8) and Tilly (6). She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Janey and Don Busy, nieces Kimberly Cockrell and Kerri Busby and grand-nieces and nephews Brooks, Caroline and Sean Patrick Cockrell and Madeline and Abigail Busby.

Caryl is preceded in death by her parents, husband Marion “Art” Custer, siblings-in-law, David Custer, Carolyn Dildine, John Custer and Martha Custer, ex-husband Bruce McKague, son Jason McKague and nephew Bo Busby.

The family would like to express gratitude towards the dedicated staff at Midland Memorial Hospital, Home Hospice Midland and Visiting Angels.

Flowers can be sent to, or memorial donations In lieu of flowers may be made to Christ Church Anglican or the Springboard Center.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.