James E. O’Donnell

   James Eugene O’Donnell, age 75, of Edina, Missouri, died Thursday, December 6, 2007, at the Knox County Nursing Home in Edina, Missouri.

   He was born July 2, 1932, at Kirksville, Missouri the son of James Francis and Agnes Rogerson O’Donnell.

   On May 14, 1955, at Baring, Missouri he was united in marriage to Mary Margaret Marra.

   Surviving are his wife Mary Margaret O’Donnell of Edina, Missouri, two sons, Mike O’Donnell and wife Kim of Kirksville, Missouri, Chris O’Donnell and his friend Loni Wedemeier of Edina, Missouri, two grandchildren, Noah O’Donnell and Landon Pence of Kirksville, Missouri, one sister, Joann Eskra and husband Frank of Kirksville, Missouri, several nieces and nephews, Mark Eskra and wife Sandy, Todd Eskra and wife Muppiet, Danny Marra and wife Toni, Melinda Hayes and husband Brian, Charles Marra, James Marra, Gregory Marra and wife Cindy and Adam Fox, several great nieces and nephews, and several brothers and sisters-in-law, Linda Fox and husband Jim of Chillicothe, Missouri, Annie Fisher and Edina, Missouri, Tom Marra of Kirksville, Missouri, Pat Marra of Edina, Missouri, and Loretta Marra of Eldon, Missouri.

   Mr. O’Donnell was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers-in-law Benny Fisher and Jack Marra, and two sisters-in-law Patty and Janice Marra.

   Mr. O’Donnell was raised in Adair County, Missouri where he received his education in rural schools and graduated from Kirksville High School.

   Mr. O’Donnell served his country in the United States Army from December 3, 1952 to November 23, 1954.  In 1960 he and his family moved to Edina, Missouri where he was employed in agriculture area with Coop and Farmers Market.

   Gene was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was president of the St. Mary’s Cemetery Association in Adair, Missouri.  Gene was a great grandpa and enjoyed spending time four wheeling with his grandchildren.

   A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m., Monday, December 10, 2007 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edina, Missouri. Father Bill Kottenstette officiated the services. Burial with full military rites were held in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Edina, Missouri. Casket bearers were Mark Eskra, Todd Eskra, Danny Marra, James Marra, Greg Marra, Danny Gibbons, Jim Gibbons, Larry Hayes, Noah O’Donnell and Landon Pence. Honorary bearers were George Higgins, Jack Hurley, Frank Krueger, Tom O’Brien, Ralph House and Jerome Kriegshauser.  A Christian Wake Service was held at 7 p.m. Sunday in the chapel.

   Expressions of sympathy in memory of James Eugene O’Donnell may be made to the Knox County Nutrition Site, St. Joseph Restoration Committee or the Donors Choice. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, Missouri, 63537.

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