Fred Donnell

"Fearless" Fred Houston Donnell III of Cathedral City, CA passed away on October 13, 2014 from a valiant battle of cancer for nearly 10 years.
Fred was born on January 12, 1947 to Fred and Thelma Donnell in Miami, AZ. On October 15, 2003, he began his 11 years of marriage with the love of his life, Jacky Lorcher, in Miami, AZ.

"Butch" Fred graduated from Pioneer High School in Whittier, CA in 1964. Fred voluntarily enlisted into the Army in 1966 and served in the Vietnam War. After an honorable discharge, Fred served as a Palm Springs Police Officer and Private Investigator for more than 40 years.

In 2008, Fred and Jacky became the proud proprietors of Elmer's Restaurant in Palm Springs, CA where he touched the lives hundreds of loyal customers with his charm, hospitality and great story telling. Fred never met a stranger.

Fred is survived by his wife, Jacky; daughter, Debra Donnell; a cousin, Carol Jean Tanner; Stepsons, Mondo Flores, Alex Flores and granddaughters, Annabelle and Kayden. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Thelma Donnell, and brother Robert Whitaker.

In lieu of flowers, Fred had requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Memorial Service will be held at Forest Lawn Mortuary in Cathedral City, CA on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 9 am. Interment, with Military Honors, will be held at the Palm Springs Cemetery in Cathedral City, CA. A celebration of Life will be at Elmer's Restaurant in Palm Springs, CA following the services. Viewing will be from 8:00 to 9:00 am on Saturday before the service.

Pall Bearers: Jack Warren, Bob White, Joe Schaal,Grant Warren, Mondo Flores, and Alex Flores. Honorary: LD Fitzgerald, Troy Alcorn, and Marty Garcia