John Matthew Donnelly, age 88, was sent to his eternal home on February 2, 2025.  He was born December 14, 1936; son of the late Peter Donnelly and Lucille Exnicios Donnelly of St. Louis, Missouri.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn "Sue" Donnelly, along with his brother Edward Donnelly, sister Lucille Begley, 2 brothers-in-law Harold Perkins and Jarrell Perkins, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Marion "Pete" Borders and Cora Evelyn Borders.

John was a beacon of light in the lives of all who had the privilege of crossing his path.  His journey on this Earth was one marked by love, kindness, and unwavering faith in God.

John is survived by son Tim Donnelly (Angie) of St. Louis, Missouri, daughter Becky Donnelly of Phoenix, Arizona, son Terry Don Weaver (Becky) of Holcomb, Missouri, and daughters Donna Padrones (Audie) of Wasilla, Alaska and Debra Weaver of Kennett, Missouri.  He is loved and adored by his 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by 4 sisters-in-law Brenda Perkins of Kennett, Missouri, Brenda McIntosh (Andy) of Marble Hill, Missouri, Mary Perkins (Ronald) of Linden, Michigan and Cheryl Perkins of Fenton, Michigan, many extended friends and family.

Those who knew John remembered him from is unwavering commitment to spread the love of Jesus and kindness to everyone he encountered.  John was an Elder at Ely Baptist Church where he served the Lord in all capacities.  John was a veteran of the United States Air Navy.  He was also active in the Kennett Community by being a member of Kennett Kiwanis, a Mason, and co-owner of Perkins Automotive Group.

Visitation will be 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Ely Baptist Church in Kennett.  Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm at the church with Reverend Matthew Kamper officiating.  Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett.

Serving as pallbearers are:  Jason Carr, Matt Casper, Keiton Greer, Aaron McIntosh, Jarrell Wayne Perkins, and Aaron Reeves.  Honorary pallbearers are Sunday School Class:  Bobby Clark, Larry Gatewood, Jackie Hughes, Danny Pigmon, and Bill Tripp.

Memorials may be made to Ely Baptist Church in Kennett.