Fern L. O'Donnell

Fern Lillie McFarlin O’Donnell passed away on November 16, 2014 at the age of almost 93. She was born with her twin brother on December 3, 1921 in Woods County, Oklahoma. She was an outstanding student earning multiple awards including Ponca City Senior High School Valedictorian. Fern went to college for several years at Oklahoma A&M but was interrupted during WWII when she accepted a job as a censor for the US Government in San Antonio, Texas. She studied Spanish and could speak fluently. After the war she accepted a job in Dallas, Texas and was boarding the train when a mutual friend introduced her to the handsome, blue-eyed, Frank O’Donnell. The two spent the train ride becoming acquainted and coincidentally met at a bus stop later that same week in Dallas, Texas. They were married six weeks later. The young couple spent the next few years living in Tyler, Texas where their son Michael Alan was born. Frank was recalled to active duty in 1950 and he was stationed in San Diego, California where their daughter Kathy Kay was born. He was discharged in 1951 and they moved to Ft. Worth where their son Dennis Duane was born. In 1958 Frank was working for Texas State Optical and the family was transferred to Midland, Texas. After settling in, Fern began a career as a legal secretary for the Stubbeman, McRae, Sealy, Laughlin and Browder law firm and worked for Wm. F. Pennebaker for almost thirty years.

Frank and Fern were members of St. Paul United Methodist Church for many years. They were married for 58 years during which they were involved with several bowling teams. Fern continued to study and practice Spanish and was a voracious reader. In 2006 she moved to the Manor Park community where she resided until her death.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents Wm. and Bertha McFarlin; a stillborn son, Wm. Patrick; her husband, Frank in 2006; and her twin brother, Frank in 2011.

Fern is survived by a brother, Wm. Cecil McFarlin of California; daughter, Kathy and husband David Ham of Midland, Texas; sons, Dennis and wife Pat O. O’Donnell of Midland, Texas, Michael and wife Pat H. O’Donnell of Arlington, Texas; five grandchildren, Tracy Coan, Melissa Wood, Zachary Ham, Jessica Ham, Darby O’Donnell; step-grandson, Michael Hall; along with five great grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew.

A visitation will be held from 5:30p.m. to 7:00p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Ellis Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 1:00p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Resthaven Memorial Park, with Reverend Bill Billett officiating.

Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com