Mike Donnelly

Mike Donnelly

1946  -  2011

            Well known Fayette businessman James Matthew “Mike” Donnelly died Wednesday, December 07, 2011, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.  He was 65 years of age.

            Mr. Donnelly was born in Columbia, MO on August 7, 1946, the son of Charles L. and Maude Garth Donnelly.  A lifelong resident of Fayette, he graduated with the Fayette High School class of 1964 and held a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Missouri State University in Springfield.  He married Susan Markland on November 27, 1971.  Mrs. Donnelly survives of the home.

            Mike was a partner with his father in the Donnelly Motors Ford dealership from 1971 until 1987 and has since been the owner of Boonslick Motors and several rental properties in Fayette.  He had served as president of Prime Water Corp., the Fayette Golf Club, and the Fayette Athletic Boosters. 

            Along with his wife, Mr. Donnelly is survived by two sons; Matthew and his wife Bahar Donnelly of Columbia, and Anthony and his wife Lisa Donnelly of Kansas City.  Also surviving are his mother, Maude “Punky” Donnelly and his grand-daughter, Stella Donnelly, both of Columbia.

            Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, December 11 at Linn Memorial United Methodist Church in Fayette.  Burial will follow at Walnut Ridge Cemetery with Nick Bagby, Scott Eaton, Blaine Frink, Greg Frink,  Seth Jarboe, and Judd Price serving as pallbearers.  Fred Alexander, Jerry Beckett, Lowell Eaton, Paul Howell, Dr. William Marshall, Bob Taylor, Dorothy Schnell, Gary Sprick, and John Stapleton will serve as honorary pallbearers.

            Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mike Donnelly Student Athletic Scholarship at Fayette High School care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service; 174 Hwy 5 & 240 North; Fayette, MO 65248.

          There will be a celebration of life following the service for Mike at Rosewood Antiques, 201 N. Main in Fayette.