Donnel Eugene Etter

Donnel Eugene Etter, 83, passed away on Nov. 26, 2019.
Donnel was born on June 7, 1936, in Independence, MO, the son of James Etter and Lanora E. Epperly Etter. He was a graduate of Van Horn High School in the school’s first graduating class of 1956 and served in the US Army Reserves for nine years. He took an art correspondence course which enabled him to earn a position as a commercial artist for Farmland Industries. He was an illustrator, designer, and constructed trade show materials, and retired after 24 years. He then went to work for The Metro as a bus driver for ten years.
On July 13, 1958, he married Eldora M. Sweeney, and to this union were born two children. Donnel was active in his church; he was a member of Mount Washington RLDS, and had been an Elder in Hill Cumorah Restoration Branch for over 30 years. In spite of his dyslexia, he was inspired to write, and became a published author. He and Eldora went on church history trips to Nauvoo, and they also traveled for leisure to destinations like Vancouver, Seattle, and Biloxi. He could (and would!) talk to anyone – he never knew a stranger. He was a talented painter and sculptor, and his artwork remains displayed in his home and in his church. Donnel found such beauty in nature, and that was exhibited with his landscaping and gardening skills.
Donnel is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eldora, of the home; sons Mark A. Etter (wife Jill), of Blue Springs, MO and Ryan L. Etter (wife Kristin) of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren, Jacob, Savannah, Caleb, Kyle, Rosemary, and Noah; sister, Namar Foster (husband Vern), of Loveland, OH; sister-in-law, Donna Rall (husband Marshall) of Independence, MO; and several extended family and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lenora Etter; brother, Neldon Etter; and sister, Marna Burgess.
A visitation will be held on Sat., Nov. 30, from 9-10am, with funeral service at 10am, both at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. in Independence. Interment will follow in Mound Grove Cemetery. The family suggests contributions be made in his honor to Alzheimer’s Association or Hill Cumorah Restoration Branch. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com