He was born December 5, 1931, in Willis Branch, West Virginia, to parents Lee and Lizzie (Boyer) Donell. He was the last survivor of all of his brothers and sisters. Chester proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War.
Shorty worked in the coal mines in West Virginia, then moved to Portage County in 1957. He quickly found a job at Standing Rock Cemetery and remained there until his retirement as supervisor in 2001.
Shorty loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and riding on his tractor. He was a member the Pony Pullers Association. Most of all, Shorty loved his large family, especially his grandkids.
Shorty is survived by his beloved wife Dorothy (Simms) Donell, who he married April 2, 1960. He is also survived by his children: Albert (Bev) Donell, Roger Donell, and Barb (Clair) Simpson, along with 7 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Friends and family will be received Sunday, February 19, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, where funeral services will be held on Monday at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17