MERVYN C. DONNELL
By most accounts, the outward appearance of Mervyn would lead many to think of a highly respected, influential gentleman in the community. However, his life was mired by mayhem. He was born to
Willoughby and Effie Lulu (Bishop) Donnell in Chanute, Kansas. Mervyn spent his early years in Iola and Chanute, KS. While in his teens, the family moved to Kansas City, KS.
Willoughby was a wife-beating womanizer and enjoyed hanging out in the local taverns. He sold dry cleaning chemicals. Often, he would leave his family destitute, returning long enough to get Effie pregnant and not to be seen again for several months.
Mervyn was united in marriage to Margurite Elizabeth Korth on March 22, 1928, in Platte City, Platte, MO.
Two daughters were born to this union: Deanna Charlene (Donnell), Langley Mahaffey, and Linda Jean (Donnell) Hollingshead.
Though Mervyn and Margie married for 55 years, the relationship was fraught with many problems. Namely, Mervyn was physically and mentally abusive. Margie left Merrvyn many times over the years, only to return. She reported him holding a gun to her head for several hours on several occasions. She was no stranger to the ER staff at the local hospital or police department, with Margie showing up with unexplained broken bones and other injuries.
The abuse was not limited to Margie as daughter Deanna recalls one night she came home from a date and he broke her nose.
Mervyn served as a Medic in the United States Army during World War II. He was stationed in England. He spent his leave in England trying to connect with Donnell family members. He had heard that the Donnell family originated from Wales and was of royal descent. While in England, he met an extended cousin, Audrey, with whom he shared his travel adventures. He had planned to stay in England following the war as he had fallen in love with red-headed Audrey; however, he returned Stateside upon learning that he and Margie were expecting a son. It is unknown if there was any truth to the rumors of a male infant, as upon arriving home, Margie told him that the child was born prematurely and had died. No death certificate or burial location has ever been identified for this infant.
He worked at the Veterans Administration, the United States Penitentiary, and as a physician's assistant to F. W. Huston, MD, in Winchester, KS.
Merv was an avid fisherman and a member of the National Campers and Hikers Association, Masonic Lodge, Abdallah Shrine, and the Knights Templar. He enjoyed joining clubs and sought to hold offices of importance. While he could be jovial and fun, he felt there was a right way to do things --his way. Often, he would coerce friends or acquaintances to try some liquor, food, or other item he recommended. Merv did not take no for an answer. It was very "off-putting" to most, ending many friendships.
While Mervyn was of a taller stature, he did not do well with confrontation and was deathly afraid of his former son-in-law, Dean Langley.
While many married people look forward to enjoying retirement together, Mervyn insisted that Margie return to work after retirement from working with Dr. Huston. Margie worked as a nursing assistant on the night shift at the nursing home in Easton, KS.
His parents, sister Lorraine Bishop Donnell, and brother S2 Lloyd Willoughby Donnell preceded him in death.
MERVYN C. DONNELL
By most accounts, the outward appearance of Mervyn would lead many to think of a highly respected, influential gentleman in the community. However, his life was mired by mayhem. He was born to
Willoughby and Effie Lulu (Bishop) Donnell in Chanute, Kansas. Mervyn spent his early years in Iola and Chanute, KS. While in his teens, the family moved to Kansas City, KS.
Willoughby was a wife-beating womanizer and enjoyed hanging out in the local taverns. He sold dry cleaning chemicals. Often, he would leave his family destitute, returning long enough to get Effie pregnant and not to be seen again for several months.
Mervyn was united in marriage to Margurite Elizabeth Korth on March 22, 1928, in Platte City, Platte, MO.
Two daughters were born to this union: Deanna Charlene (Donnell), Langley Mahaffey, and Linda Jean (Donnell) Hollingshead.
Though Mervyn and Margie married for 55 years, the relationship was fraught with many problems. Namely, Mervyn was physically and mentally abusive. Margie left Merrvyn many times over the years, only to return. She reported him holding a gun to her head for several hours on several occasions. She was no stranger to the ER staff at the local hospital or police department, with Margie showing up with unexplained broken bones and other injuries.
The abuse was not limited to Margie as daughter Deanna recalls one night she came home from a date and he broke her nose.
Mervyn served as a Medic in the United States Army during World War II. He was stationed in England. He spent his leave in England trying to connect with Donnell family members. He had heard that the Donnell family originated from Wales and was of royal descent. While in England, he met an extended cousin, Audrey, with whom he shared his travel adventures. He had planned to stay in England following the war as he had fallen in love with red-headed Audrey; however, he returned Stateside upon learning that he and Margie were expecting a son. It is unknown if there was any truth to the rumors of a male infant, as upon arriving home, Margie told him that the child was born prematurely and had died. No death certificate or burial location has ever been identified for this infant.
He worked at the Veterans Administration, the United States Penitentiary, and as a physician's assistant to F. W. Huston, MD, in Winchester, KS.
Merv was an avid fisherman and a member of the National Campers and Hikers Association, Masonic Lodge, Abdallah Shrine, and the Knights Templar. He enjoyed joining clubs and sought to hold offices of importance. While he could be jovial and fun, he felt there was a right way to do things --his way. Often, he would coerce friends or acquaintances to try some liquor, food, or other item he recommended. Merv did not take no for an answer. It was very "off-putting" to most, ending many friendships.
While Mervyn was of a taller stature, he did not do well with confrontation and was deathly afraid of his former son-in-law, Dean Langley.
While many married people look forward to enjoying retirement together, Mervyn insisted that Margie return to work after retirement from working with Dr. Huston. Margie worked as a nursing assistant on the night shift at the nursing home in Easton, KS.
His parents, sister Lorraine Bishop Donnell, and brother S2 Lloyd Willoughby Donnell preceded him in death.
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