Ernest Eugene Donnel

Born December 5, 1945 in Corey, Colorado.

Passed away peacefully on August 17, 2020 in Rocklin, California.

Preceded in death by his loving wife Selinda DeLyte Donnel.

Loving father to:

Will Donnel (Casey), Gena Johnston (Derrick), Clayton Donnel (Lori).

Fun loving Papa to his 9 Grandbuddies:

Colemon, Ali, Derrick, Taylor, Emily, Dom, Wyatt, Gracey, and Maggie.

He is survived by his sister Eula Mae and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his 2 brothers, RD and Al and his 2 sisters, Mary Evelyn and Erma Lee.

Ernest joined the United States Navy in 1964 in San Diego, CA. He became a Torpedoman’s Mate and was assigned to the USS Bushnell in Key West, Florida.

In May of 1965 he received orders to report to The Naval Ordinance Facility in Yokosuka, Japan and was stationed at Azuma Island in Tokyo Bay. His duties there were to load up ships heading to Vietnam with bombs, Napalm bombs and underwater mines for the war. In 1968 he reported for duty on the USS Sperry in San Diego, CA. His duties there were in the torpedo shop overhauling the torpedoes and working on the submarines. In June of 1968 he received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy and was in the reserves until 1970.

Shortly thereafter he met his beautiful wife, Lytie, on a blind date. They fell in love instantly and were married in August of 1970 and started their happy family.

Ernest drove 48 states as a truck driver at Trans West for Bel Mart. In the early 80’s he moved his family to Delta, Colorado to follow his dreams of becoming a farmer. They moved back to California in January of 1987 and he continued working for Bel Air Markets and retired early in 2003.

He loved all his family, he enjoyed camping and four wheeling with his nieces and nephews. They even had their own four wheel drive club.

In 1995, once all the grandbuddies came along, he and our mom devoted their lives to making many happy memories with them and all of us. He bought an RV and loved to travel. He lived life to the absolute fullest and he will truly be missed by all who knew him.

To share a memory of Ernest, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com

”Due to the current COVID protocols for Sac/Placer/El Dorado County, guests must wear protective masks at all times while inside the funeral home facility and practice the recommended six foot social distancing.”