Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Donner Obituary
Unexpectedly on June 8th. Healthy and vigorous until the last moments of his life, Bob leaves behind a multitude of family, friends, and colleagues who are really p.o.'d. He was a passionate man who loved his wife, Jill; the game of golf; and a 40-year career as a character actor. Proud of and known for countless roles in movies and television, Bob never stopped working. He was beloved as Exidor on "Mork and Mindy," as Yancy Tucker on "The Waltons" and as a favorite sheriff, bad guy or wild-eyed preacher. His feature credits include: "Cool Hand Luke," "Bite the Bullet," "Vanishing Point," "Under the Rainbow," and a number of John Wayne westerns ("El Dorado," "Undefeated," "Chisum"). In addition to Jill, he is survived by brothers Donn (Carolee) Morris and Gordon (Eleanor) Morris; a nephew, Donn, Jr.; niece, Kimberlee; great-niece, Kristofer; and sister-in-law Joan Kelley (Benn). A celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, raise a glass in his memory (preferably a very dry Beefeater martini, up with an olive).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Donner
Martha
May 18, 2021
He brought me years of entertainment. He will be greatly missed.
Dayzea Kitty
June 23, 2006
Mr. Donner's character of Yancy Tucker always brought a very big smile to my face. I loved the fact that "Yancy" was always so devoted to his animals, as I have 7 cats and every one of them sleep with me at some point during the night.
I will always think of Mr. Donner with a smile and be greatful that he brought such a wonderful, loving touch to the character of Yancy.
God Bless Mr. Donner and his family.
Dayzea & Kitties
KRISTOFER HENRY
June 22, 2006
RIP UNCLE BOBBY, WE LOVE AND MISS YOU. I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE WAY YOU MADE ME LAUGH WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL. I AM BLESSED WITH GREAT MEMORIES THAT INVLOVE YOU. THE WAY YOU MADE ME SMILE ON MY GRADUATION DAY, BECAUSE OF SOME OFF THE WALL JOKE YOU MADE ABOUT MY DRESS, AND THAT IT SHOWED TO MUCH. THESE MEMORIES WILL STAY WITH ME FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE, AND MORE. THIS IS NOT A "GOODBYE", ITS MORE LIKE AN "I'LL BE SEEING YA"
WITH LOVE YOUR NIECE,
KRISTOFER
David Fleming
June 18, 2006
Jill, My brother, Barry Fleming, loved your husband and when he called me several days ago and told me of Bob's death we were both deeply saddened. I met Bob several times when he brought many of his California friends to Charleston, WV, for a celebrity golf tournament held at my brother's golf course. I played golf with Bob, Leslie and Barry once in California while on a trip and we all had a great time together. Bob was always great to Barry and will forever be remembered as one of the kindest persons we will ever have the pleasure of knowing. Fondest regards.
David and Barry Fleming
Felipe Magos, Jr.
June 18, 2006
My sympathies to Robert Donner's family. His work will keep his talent alive for future generations to see his greatness. May he rest in peace.
Dixie Wright
June 18, 2006
Goodnight, Yancy...
Donald Nelson
June 14, 2006
Requiescat In Pace!
Robert Donner was one of my favorite
characters in The Waltons. I always
liked the fact he slept with his dogs and I can identify with that as
my cat sleeps with me!
Goodnight Robert!
Susan Brandes
June 14, 2006
Jillie - i will miss him calling me brandes. He always had a joke for me before you picked up the phone. I loved him and I love you. My thoughts are with you every day. Hoping he runs into my mom.
Barrie Milton
June 14, 2006
My heart goes out to the Jill & the Donner family. Bob was a lovely, handsome, and hysterically funny man. We met in '68 on the set of an awesomely awful Otto Preminger film. Bob was a switchboard operator. Me: a small town tart! We spent many days of the shoot drowning our sorrows in dry martini's. Bob was Beefeater. Me: Shmirnof. He knew everybody! And was loved by all.
I will certainly raise a glass to this wonderful, wonderful man who will be sadly and sorely missed.
Jenni Wiesemann
June 14, 2006
I too met Mr. Donner at a Walton's reunion and I thought he was a real hoot. I will certainly miss him.
Harriet Thompson
June 14, 2006
Sorry to hear of Robert's passing.
My family enjoyed his acting, especially on the Walton's.
Charles Hunt
June 14, 2006
The world has lost one of the finest character actors ever. I'll remember him best from the Waltons & Mork and Mindy but he was also great in many movies including my favorite Cool Hand Luke. R.I.P Mr. Donner, You will be missed.
Patrick Lloyd
June 14, 2006
Robert was a great actor with a sense of humor that never quit. I met him at a Walton fan gathering in 1999 and found him to be a very funny guy and a very nice guy as well. Yancy was one of my favorite Waltons characters. RIP,Robert.
Jared Walker
June 13, 2006
Robert you will be missed dearly rest in peace.
Cindy Adler
June 13, 2006
Say hello to my mom Mr. Donner! I'll raise a glass to you but I stink at golf. You will be missed by all and I enjoyed the 2 times I had the opportunity to meet you. Prayers and hugs go out to your family
The Booth Family
June 13, 2006
Though now you rest,your work will continue as Yancy Tucker graces our screens and we wish the family well,I'm sure they are proud to have known you,as we feel like we have known you all these years through the Waltons and then some.Bless you Mr.Donner and your family as well.
Dan Hurd
June 13, 2006
My favorite character from the Waltons... We'll miss you Robert.
Thanks for giving us Yancy Tucker,
Only you could have pulled it off so well
Dan Hurd~
Merri Jo Marx-Abernethy
June 13, 2006
Dearest Jill,
Dad doesn't have e-mail (sound familiar?) but wanted me to tell you how greatly we feel your loss & how saddened we are. You know those Taurean men, time & space could not separate their friendship, despite everything. I will always treasure my memories of Donner (taught me to play pool at age 9!) & his immeasurable gift of friendship to my father. Lauren hopes the cats are ok. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
The Virginia Connection, "Pedro", Merri Jo & The Marx Family
Catie Rogers
June 13, 2006
Who could ever forget the loveable chicken thief, Yancy? I had hoped to meet him at one of the Walton reunions. Robert was a superb actor and brought many happy moments to his audience. God bless you in your grief of his too soon passing. May we all celebrate his life.
Jean and Karen Michel
June 12, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Donner's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Donner
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Donner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
