Fred Donnell

(From Meadors Funeral Home)

On December 17, 1950, a cold winter’s day in Springfield, Missouri, Charles Frederick Donnell enter this earthly world. He was the third child of George and Arlene Donnell. 

Fred was a quiet, mellow child with his parents wondering if he would ever stand and walk because he was so content. Four years later George and Arlene’s fourth child arrived, and he and Fred would become the best of buds throughout their lives. Together they kept their family entertained and laughing for years. Their sister recalls the two of them jumping out of their second story bedroom window, in their underwear, in the snow, while she and their mother were entertaining the church Women’s Mission Group. Their sister happened to see them pass by the dining room window just as they were beginning to serve the ladies beautiful petit fours their mother had painstakingly prepare for the festive event. Their sister helped them back in the house before the ladies or their mother knew what had happened.

On July 14, 2026, a beautiful summer’s day in Billings, Missouri, Charles Frederick Donnell left his earthly home. Fred fought the good fight for eleven months against glioblastoma brain cancer, the cancer that took his son, Jason, on May 4, 2022. Fred was blessed to have his devoted wife, Charlotte, by his side through the battle. He endured three surgeries, chemotherapy, radiations, an electrical impulse cap, and multiple trips to St. Louis Barnes Hospital. And through it all he kept his quick-witted humor, entertaining doctors and nurses along the way. We know Fred heard God say to him, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

In 1969 Fred graduated from Parkview High School, Springfield, MO. He attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS majoring in architecture and graduated from Drury University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Fred spent twenty-five years as a Springfield Police Officer. He was well liked by those who served alongside him as well as those who served under him as he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. As can be expected, Fred had many hilarious stories about his encounters with criminals, even while serving on an undercover drug unit. After retirement Fred served on the Wilson’s Creek cannon brigade where he shot the cannons to the amazement of park visitors. During his twelve years on the brigade, he developed longtime friends. Fred was also known as Commander Fred as he gave colorful traffic reports on a local radio station.

Fred had two sons, Jason Donnell and Corey Donnell. He married the love of his life, Charlotte Garton, on April 3, 1982, and they shared forty-four years together. They have two granddaughters, Logan Miller and Madelyn Donnell and a grandson, Silas Smith.

Fred and Charlotte traveled across the USA enjoying their adventures in nature. Their favorite place to travel was the Gulf of Mexico coastline, often with Fred’s parents and his siblings’ families. Many Easters were spent celebrating life on the white sandy beaches, dining on their mother’s amazing meals. Fred inherited his mother’s culinary gift, trying new recipes to the delight of others. Fred was artistic and creative and to some Fred could appear to be gruff but in reality, he was a tender-hearted soul.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, George F. and Arlene C. Donnell, and by his son Jason M. Donnell.

Those remaining, feeling the great loss of Fred are his wife, Charlotte Donnell, Billings, MO, his son Corey Donnell, Springfield, MO, his older brother, Ronald T. Donnell (Patricia) Peoria, AZ, his sister, Janevra D. Hockensmith (Phillip) Springfield, MO and his younger brother, Gregory P. Donnell (Jacquelyn) also of Springfield, MO. Their two granddaughters Logan Miller (Alex) Ft. Bragg, NC, and Madelyn Donnell, Joplin, MO, and their grandson, Silas Smith, Lockwood, MO. His nieces and nephews: Kathy Jacklin (Trevor) Glendale, AZ, Kari Clevenger (Brandon), Raymore, MO, Jeff Donnell, North Richland Hills, TX, Chris Donnell (Wendy), South Orange, NJ, Brandon Bridgeforth (Michele), Kansas City, MO, and Andrew Bridgeforth, Bellingham, WA. As well as many great-nieces, great-nephews and dear first cousins.

Those of us who knew Fred will have so many wonderful memories of his irresistible humor and his unwavering love for his family. Rest in peace our dear Fred.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Crane First Baptist Church 30 Hallelujah Dr., Crane, MO 65633, and will immediately be followed by the funeral service. Burial will follow at the Crane First Baptist Church Cemetery.




Arrangements are under the direction of Meadors Funeral Home Westrip Chapel 39670 State Hwy 413, Crane, MO 65633. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com