David Donnelly (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Phillip David Donnelly, son of former Missouri Governor Phil M. Donnelly and Juanita F. McFadden Donnelly, was born June 15, 1924, in Lebanon, Missouri. He departed this life Wednesday, January 31, 2018, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of ninety-three years.
On April 16, 1955, he was united in marriage to Betty Jane Parmenter, and to this union one daughter was born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Betty, on June 14, 2015.
David is survived by a daughter, Polly (Donnelly) Strickland, and her husband, Keith, of Lebanon, Missouri; two granddaughters, Erin Donnelly and Allie Rose Strickland; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in Lebanon and graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1942. He then attended Kemper Military College where he earned his AA degree in 1944. He studied at the University of Missouri (Columbia) and MU School of Law and earned his JD degree in 1946. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army from 1951 until 1953, being honorably discharged as a Lieutenant. After he and Betty were married, they made their home in Lebanon, and lovingly raised their daughter. David was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1946, and served as Assistant Attorney General of Missouri from 1946–1948. He was a member of Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity, a former president of the Laclede County Bar Association and the South Central Bar Association. He was in general practice of law from 1949–2008, except for his military and judicial service time. He began working with his father in Donnelly and Donnelly, Attorneys at Law, and then later became the senior partner in Donnelly, Baldwin and Wilhite Law Firm. From 1957–1959 he served as Prosecuting Attorney for Laclede County, and was City Attorney of Lebanon from 1961–1964. From 1967–1969 he served as Circuit Judge, of the 26th Judicial Circuit, and was Municipal Division Judge in Lebanon from 1986–1992. He was a member, secretary and president of the Missouri State Board of Law Examiners in the 1950’s, and was Chairman of the Missouri State Democratic Committee from 1972–1974. He was a former member and State vice-president of the Missouri Jaycees, and was an honorary Colonel on staffs of Missouri Governors Forrest Smith, John Dalton and Warren Hearnes.
David was a longtime, active member of First Christian Church in Lebanon where he served as a Deacon for over forty years. He was also a former chairman of the church board. He served on the board of directors at Drury College School of Religion for several years.
He belonged to the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Lebanon since 1942. He was a member and former president of the Lebanon Rotary Club since 1949, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He belonged to the American Legion, and was a former member and president of the Louise G. Wallace/Breech Hospital board of trustees from 1954-1974. He had served on the board of directors of First National Bank/Boatmen’s Bank, and the Lebanon Downtown Business District. He was a longtime member of the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce and was a charter Lebanon Ambassador. He received a Community Service Award in 1991, and was awarded Lebanon’s highest accolade, being placed on the Wall of Honor in 2008.
David and Betty were always hospitable and enjoyed entertaining people in their home, and particularly for their annual 4th of July celebrations. His family was very dear to him and he especially enjoyed having time with his granddaughters.
David was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and was a kind and caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be well remembered as a devoted family man, a dedicated lawyer, a patriotic citizen, and a good friend to the City of Lebanon, the State of Missouri, and to all those who knew him.
Memorial contributions to the First Christian Church of Lebanon, may be left the Funeral Home or at the church on the day of the service.
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