ERNEST P. "JUNIOR" O'DONIEL

Ernest P. "Junior" O'Doniel, 63, of Bogard, MO, and formerly of Lexington, MO, died Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at his home.
Junior was born on August 13, 1945 in Wellington, MO to Ernest and Maude (Shutt) O'Doniel. He married Helen L. Brunner of Lexington on December 17, 1966; she survives, of the home.
Other survivors include his father-in-law, Rev. Walter Brunner of the home; two brothers, Jerry "Bud" O'Doniel and Kenneth O'Doniel both of the home; one sister-in-law, Martha (Brunner) Reinwald of OK; and one nephew, John Reinwald of the home.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Mary Brunner; one brother, Ronnie Lee O'Doniel; one sister-in-law, Marcia O'Doniel; as well as numerous relatives and friends.
Junior graduated from Wellington High School in 1964. He worked as a teenager for Ernie Mischon and later for Chuck Mudd at the then Standard Service Station in Lexington. In 1967, he was employed by the Missouri Department of Transportation at the district highway shed in Independence, MO for the next ten years. In 1977, he completed basic police training at the Missouri Highway Patrol Academy in Jefferson City, MO and became a Deputy Sheriff for Lafayette County. In 1984, Junior and his brother, Jerry, opened O'Doniel Automotive Repair located at his home in Lexington for over 20 years before retiring. In 1997, Junior and Helen purchased a farm at Bogard, where they have resided for the past nine years.
He was a member of the Mandeville Methodist Church.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Donor's Choice.

Junior had requested cremation and no formal service. His wish was for people to remember him, maybe tell a joke about him or have a party, and be happy in their lives. A favorite Irish saying: May the road rise to meet you; may the wind always be at your back; may the sun shine warm upon your face; the rain fall softly upon your fields, and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Thurman Funeral Home, Norborne, MO is in charge of the arrangements.