Robert Evans Donnell

Robert was born June 11th, 1933, in Wichita Falls, Texas to Ralph and Anita Donnell. One of six children, he attended Midwestern State University where he met his lifetime sweetheart Beverly Webb. Later, he attended the University of Texas, obtaining bachelor’s degrees in geology in 1956 and in math, government and education in 1961. After receiving his first degree, he joined the Navy in October 1956 for active duty and toured the South Pacific. After marrying in 1958 he and Beverly were stationed in Pearl Harbor and enjoyed their time together in the island paradise.

Robert entered the Naval Reserves and moved to Austin, Texas in 1959. He retired from the Navy in 1987 with the rank of captain.

They eventually settled in San Diego in 1961 where they raised two sons. Robert worked as a teacher, district counselor and placement and appeals counselor for the San Diego Unified School District. In 1974, Robert received a master’s in counseling from San Diego State University. He retired from the school district in 1996.

He and Beverly attended First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon for many years and lent their talents to the church choir. He also was part of the church’s prison ministry and volunteered with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and Reality Changers. When Beverly was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and was placed in memory care, he visited her daily or as often as he could. In March 2024, they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. He enjoyed life, enjoyed his family, and was our sage. Always laughing he was the master of a good joke. As he always said, “Life is a Cabaret”.

He is survived by his wife Beverly; two sons Mark and Scott; daughter-in-law Debbie and two grandchildren, Jessica and Michael.