Stanley Eugene Donnell

Stanley Eugene Donnell, age 96, of Liberty, Missouri, passed away on February 23, 2025. He was born on September 3, 1928, in Taft, California, to Roy Everett and Nellie Faith Smart Donnell. Lovingly described as gruff, a man with a hard exterior but was a teddy bear.

Stanley grew up in Windsor, Missouri, the youngest of five. He lost his father early, leaving his mother to raise him with a firm hand and strong spirit. He learned quickly that life was about hard work and showing up for the people who counted on you. He lived by that belief every day.

After graduating high school in Windsor, he went to work at the local shoe factory, choo chooed along with Missouri Pacific Railroad and had a stint with Lake City Arsenal before settling on the assembly line at Ford where he retired at the age of 70.

As much as Stanley valued hard work, nothing in his life came close to the love he had for his wife and kids. He met Jean in high school and from the moment they married, she was his world. For 61 years, they built a life together filled with love, faith and commitment to their family. She was his best friend, his partner and the only person who could match his stubbornness. His kids were everything to him. And he tried to show his love by working hard to give them a good life whether on the farm in Windsor or in the factory work that he did. Later in life he liked to keep his yard neat, tend to his roses and peonies and fix whatever needed fixing. 

He didn’t always say how he felt, but he showed it. His love was in the quiet ways, through the work of his hands, the lessons he passed down and the sacrifices he made without ever mentioning them. Stanley was a man of faith, a Christian who was a long time member of Liberty (Liberty Manor) Baptist Church. He had a sharp wit, a little bit of charm and just enough mischief to keep things interesting. His best jokes he saved for the last, humoring his friends at Our Lady of Mercy. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Jean Donnell, son Stephen Donnell, son-in-law Larry Hill, grandson Britt Bunch, granddaughter Annette Saucedo, parents Roy and Nellie Donnell, sisters Dorothy Donnell and Eunice Fay Donnell, brothers Hughey Donnell and Albert Donnell.

Stanley is survived by his children Virginia Hill, Susan Palomo, Stanley Donnell and wife Sue, Cathy Bunch and husband Dennis, Kristy Langle and her husband Randy. He was a proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, who will always remember his quiet strength and unwavering love.

A visitation will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of life both at at Park Lawn Northland Chapel 1640 N State Route 291, Liberty, MO, 64068. Stanley will then be taken in procession to Glenridge Cemetery to be laid to rest with his beloved wife Jean.

Stanley lived an honest life built on faith, family and hard work. He didn’t ask for much, yet gave plenty. In honor of his generous spirit and commitment to helping others, the family suggests that instead of flowers, donations be made to support international missionaries, Deborah and Rachel who were especially close to his heart; continuing his support of their mission work would be a meaningful way to honor his legacy. To contribute, please make checks payable to Dennis Bunch, in care of Park Lawn Northland Chapel 1640 N State Route 291, Liberty, MO, 64068. Donations may also be made to Our Lady of Mercy Country Home.