Joseph will lie in state Wednesday, February 24th, at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home, for friends and family that wish to pay their respects privately. Graveside services will be held with full military honors, Thursday, February 25th at 2pm at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Memorial Park, with Brother Jeremy Hare officiating. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Skip, Liam, Benjamin, and Samuel McDonnell and Austin and Billy Ford.
Joe was born on October 10th, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri to Joseph James McDonnell, Jr. and Violet Inez (Pat) McDonnell (nee Stagner). He attended schools in St. Louis and Wichita Falls and was a graduate of Wichita Falls High School. Joe enlisted in the United States Army during the conflict in Vietnam. He served for 2 tours in Indo China, most notably during the Tet Offensive. He promoted to the rank of Sergeant and received a Bronze Star for his service. Afer his military service, Joe earned his Associates Degree in Electronics from Cameron University and went on to be employed by USPS. Joe served for many years in the Maintenance Department of USPS, retiring in 2008 from his position as Maintenance Supervisor at the Hatton Road Annex.
Joseph married Emma Mae English in Garland, Texas on October 5th, 1968. Two sons were born to this union, Joseph James McDonnell and Hugh Ashcroft (Skip) McDonnell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Pat McDonnell; son, Joseph James McDonnell in 2003; and wife, Emma Mae McDonnell in 2020. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Skip and Elizabeth, and grandsons, Liam, Benjamin, and Samuel McDonnell.
Joseph was a generous and thoughtful man who cared very much for his family and friends and always wanted to please the Lord. He was always willing to help those in need and was faithful to mention you in his prayers. His wit and wisdom will be missed in the years to come.
The family requests no flowers please, but instead make a donation in memory of Joseph to Hospice of Wichita Falls. The staff there was such a comfort to him in his last days and allowed him to pass from life with the dignity that he deserved.
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