Don McBride

J. Don McBride, Distinguished Alumnus

On August 22nd, the Alumni of Morton and Richmond High School will honor two of our Morton graduates as Distinguished. Dick Tiernan and Don McBride were chosen jointly by the RHSAA Board because they both served our school and community in sports. Both men saw the value of the kids having something to do. They taught many life skills by throwing a ball or building the ball diamond.

Don McBride graduated from Morton High School in 1935. He began in business by selling insurance locally. He joined the Marines during WWII and served in the South Pacific as a Master Sgt.

Don played sports in high school excelling in basketball. After graduation he began refereeing basketball games and gained a reputation of being a “show boat” drawing the crowd into the game. He refereed for 28 years.

He wanted to become a State Police officer but was told to do so he would have to give up his career as a referee. Deciding that he wanted to continue with the path he had started, he found employment with various venues until settling into becoming the director of the Richmond Parks Department.  Over his career there, he orchestrated the development of the Glen Miller Park zoo, the Reservoir boat docks, the ball diamonds all over town, the development of what late became McBride Stadium.

He was married to Reba and lived in Richmond all his life. He was the father of two daughters–Ann England who became a teacher and administrator in the RCS Schools, and Patty Bosell who works with seniors in California.

Don was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. He was instrumental in the development of the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in Richmond.

Don was active with the Evening Optimist, the Optimist Baseball League, Sertoma Club, Lions Club, Rose Festival Committee, Wayne County Cancer Society, Kiwanis Club, Richmond Common Council and was a constant contributor to the Graphic Press.

McBride Stadium at the edge of Clear Creek Park is named in his honor. He died in Richmond in 2001.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374

 (765) 973-3338