Raymond Alexander Donnell, age 91, resident of Erie, Pa most of his life, passed away at Abington Crest Nursing and Rehab Center, Erie, PA on Monday, August 3,2015. Born on January 26, 1924 in Meadville, PA, Raymond was a son of the late Alexander Hart Donnell and Irme Woodward Donnell. On April 2, 1948, he married the former Desta Jean Shoemaker and she survives.
After receiving his high school diploma, Raymond entered the United States Army serving in the artillery division in the European Theater during World War II from 1943 until 1946. After his discharge, Raymond began 40 years of employment with General Electric in Erie, mostly as a welder. He retired in 1986. During those years he enjoyed antique cars, belonged to the Antique Car Club of Erie, and owned several cars including a 1937 Dodge. Other interests of his included hunting, golfing, and enjoying professional football and other sports as a spectator. He was considered a skilled handyman and was able to repair most anything. Raymond was affiliated with the Church of God and attended regularly at either Cambridge Springs First Church of God or Pine Avenue, Erie, Church of God.
Surviving Raymond is his wife – Desta, of Erie; a son – Fred Donnell and his wife, Connie, of New Castle, IN; a daughter – Desta D. Donnell of Covington, KY; and a son – Shelby A. Donnell and his wife, Sheryl, of Erie; five grandchildren – Shannon Donnell-Cline and her husband, Jeff, of Muncie, IN; Courtney R. Donnell and his wife, Melinda, of Louisville, KY; Justin Donnell and his wife, Darla, of Verona, PA; Joline Donnell of Erie; and Franco Mudey of Villa Hills, KY. Also surviving are six great grandchildren and a sister – Eleanor Koon of Woodcockboro. Raymond was preceded in death by a sister – Lucille Norwat and a brother – Harry Donnell.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Thursday, August 6 from 11:00 until 1:00. The funeral will begin there at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend James Callender, pastor of the First Church of God in Cambridge Springs, officiating. Interment will be in Cochranton Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be given to the First Church of God, 634 Venango Avenue, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403.
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