Growing up, he went to French High School and worked at the family business, Shell Plant Farm in Beaumont, Texas. He moved to Abbeville, Louisiana and lived there for 30 years. He worked offshore and for an exterminating company. He was an avid sports fan and loved the Houston Astros.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Shell and his mother, Betty June Hamilton Shell; grandparents, Charles M. and Gertrude Shell of Shell Plant Farm, H.L. and Lillian Hamilton of Hamilton Nursing Home.
He is survived by his sisters, Betty Yoakum and husband Finley of Beaumont, Texas, Patricia Warren of Fountain Hills, Arizona; brothers, James Shell and wife Sherry of Beaumont, Texas, Ted Shell and wife Jeanette of Nolensville, Tennessee. Nephews, Finley Yoakum II and wife Jancy; Kevin Yoakum and wife Christi; Stephen James Shell; Michael Shell; Jeremy Grantham and wife Kerrie. Nieces, Amanda Yoakum-Phillips and husband Joe; Lisa Braneff and husband David; Stacy DesRosiers and husband Eric; and Jennifer Shell.
A celebration of life for Donnie will be held Friday, July 31, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 4955 Pine, Beaumont, Texas 77703. Following the celebration of life there will be a burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
The funeral proceedings will be held privately with immediate family only. This is due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnmpfh.com for the Shell family.