Lewis "Lew" Fredrick Donnell, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the age of 96. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion.

Born on December 30, 1927, in Nowata, OK, to James Maxwell Donnell and Orpha Josephine (Shriver) Caler, Lew enlisted in the Navy at 17 to serve in World War II aboard the USS Saratoga. After the war, he returned to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, his lifelong home.

Lew's life was forever changed when he met Helen Owen Donnell in 8th-grade study hall. Their love blossomed through high school and culminated in their marriage on June 4, 1949, in Bartlesville. Their extraordinary union spanned 74 beautiful years.

During the 1950s and 60s, Lew worked at Phillips Petroleum Company, with assignments in Bartlesville, Colorado, and Florida. From 1962 to 1974, Lew and Helen resided in Coffeyville, Kansas, where they owned Phillips 66 gas stations and raised their three children: David Donnell and wife Karla of Lawrence, KS; Lynda Lyman and husband Stephen of Sand Springs, OK; and Pam Josselet and husband Rick of Jamaica Beach, TX.

Between 1975 and 1985, Lew returned to Phillips Petroleum Company with assignments in Bartlesville, Utah, California, and Florida. Known for his honesty, hard work, ethics and fairness, he spent many years overseeing construction projects. After retiring from Phillips Petroleum Company in 1985, he embarked on a second career as an owner's representative managing major construction projects in the Bartlesville and Tulsa area for another thirty years into his mid-eighties including the University Center at Tulsa, the Bartlesville Public Library, the Washington County Jail, Bartlesville First Church and many more.  During his free time, he enjoyed working in the yard, barbequing and feeding wildlife on his acreage in Ochelata, OK.

Lew and Helen's legacy lives on through their adoring grandchildren: Shawn Smith and wife Miriam of Redondo Beach, CA; Jason Smith and wife Brittany of Bixby, OK; Sarah Smith of Port Orchard, WA; Eric Bonilla and wife Summer of Granbury, TX; Sam Donnell and wife Sarah of Kansas City, MO; and Emily Donnell of Lawrence, KS. Their hearts expanded further with the arrival of 11 great-grandchildren.

Lew was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Owen Donnell, his parents, James Donnell and Orpha Caler, and his siblings, Orville Donnell, Robert Donnell, and Beverly (Donnell) Clark.

His presence will be missed, and he will forever resonate in the hearts of all who knew him. Lewis Fredrick Donnell's life was a testament to love, resilience, and unwavering devotion—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.