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BORN
1947
DIED
2014
Fred Iii Obituary
"Fearless" Fred Houston Donnell III, of Cathedral City, Calif. passed away on October 13, 2014 after a valiant battle with cancer for nearly 10 years. Fred was born on January 12, 1947 to Fred and Thelma Donnell in Miami, Ariz. On October 15, 2003, he began his 11 years of marriage with the love of his life, Jacky Lorcher, in Miami, Ariz. "Butch" Fred graduated from Pioneer High School in Whittier, Calif. 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, Calif., 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; stepsons, Mondo and Alex Flores; granddaughters, Annabelle and Kayden; and cousin, Carol Jean Tanner of Miami, Ariz.. 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. A visitation will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cathedral City, on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 8:00 am followed by a funeral service at 9:00 am. Interment, with Military Honors, will be held at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City. A Celebration of Life will be at Elmer's Restaurant in Palm Springs following the services. Forest Lawn Memorial Parks & Mortuaries.
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Memories and Condolences
for Fred Iii
Patricia Curry
October 15, 2019
Yet again small reminders will bring you up short when you smell a certain perfume, or listen to a song. Fred, you are still missed and remembered so fondly. My hope is that you are happy and in a place that we many times debated...godspeed my friend.
Bill & Elva Casey
April 22, 2015
We will always remember you, Fred.You were the welcoming light in Elmers and we know that light is still shining brightly in your new home.---Bill Casey,Deepwell Ranch & PS.Chamber of Commerce
Noelle Guabello
February 8, 2015
Lisa & I were stunned when we recently heard of Fred's passing. He was a wonderful person and neighbor;thoughtful and generous to all. Our condolences to Jacky and family.He will be missed terribly.
Betty & Jim Lear
December 8, 2014
We were deeply saddened to learn of Fred's passing. He will be sorely missed by everyone and anyone who knew him, however briefly.
David Sidley
October 24, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Bonny Birch
October 24, 2014
I just saw where Fred lost his battle, and am just devastated, especially to know I missed the service. I know both George and I would have been there. Our condolences are with both Jacky and Debra, and the rest of the family. George Stettler, Bonny Birch, State Farm.
October 21, 2014
Renee and I were so sad to hear of Fred's passing. We left the Desert in 2012, but one of our favorite places in the Valley was Elmer's. We loved the food, but even more so visiting with you and Fred. I was on the Crimestoppers board when we lived there and loved to hear Fred's stories about being one of the founding members of that board. I also enjoyed hearing about his latest project at the restaurant. He was always making some sort of improvement. We both always enjoyed that wonderful smile of his. Renee and I realize no amount of well intentioned words can ease the hurt right now, but just wanted you to know that you and your family are in our prayers, and that we appreciate all the wonderful moments we had stopping by the restaurant and visiting with both of you. God Bless You.
--Steve and Renee Minium
Debby, Susie, Ilka & Janie
Ilka Stearman, Susie Jones, Janie Doseff, Debby Doseff-Teeter & Natalie & Nicholas Teeter
October 21, 2014
Jacky...we love you so much! You and Fred have been like family to us for so many years. You were so blessed to have such a wonderful man to have shared so much of life with. He will be deeply missed by all of us and always remembered with a smile in our hearts! He's without pain in God's embrace, and watching over you.
Robert Whitaker
October 20, 2014
Jacky, my Uncle was the Greatest! He was always cool to me. He was my adopted Dad's lil' brother. A few years ago I spent the night at his house an he bought me breakfast the next morning. I am glad, but sad he is in the happy hunting grounds with his family. Great service to the Nation an Palm Springs. I will someday go to the other side too, and meet my adopted family.
Whitaker
October 20, 2014
Jacky, my Uncle Butch is the Greatest! I can't believe he passed on. The Lord needed him home. He did his duty as a Soldier/Veteran an also as a policeman an Detective-We are proud of him an his service to the Nation an Palm Springs! May God bless my Uncle & Dad's brother Butch.
Tina and Laurie Trani
October 20, 2014
Jacky and family, we will miss this man soooo much. He was such an inspiration to us each time we visited Elmers these past years. We will always remember his smile and upbeat self. We will really miss him. We are so sorry he lost his battle.
Julius (Nick) Colangelo
October 19, 2014
Jacky, you don't know me, but I have been friends with Fred since the 70's when he started with PSPD. He was a great guy and a good friend. We lost touch because I moved away from PS for some time. My condolences and prayers go out to you and your family, I know he will be missed by his family and all his many friends.
George Bray
October 19, 2014
Dear Jacky,
I am at such a loss of your wonderful husband and my friend. Fred defined what a true friend and skilled investigator was all about. I'm a better person from knowing him. So thankful that I took the time to come and visit last month while working a case in Ontario. Fred's death will pass, but I'm so blessed and happy to have his memory and friendship in my heart.
God' love in his passing and to you.
Joy Mereditj
October 19, 2014
May memories of happy times bring you comfort....
Joe Jones
October 19, 2014
I go way back with Butch . . . one of the "Good Guys" So sorry to hear of his passing.
Joe C
October 18, 2014
Fred was amazing. He approached the challenge cancer presented him with courage and was always more concerned with his fellows-never saw him down in spirits. Truly, my life has been enriched for known him, and I am sure most that knew him would say much the same thing.
Eli
October 18, 2014
Jackie sorry to hear about Fred my thoughts and prayers to you and your family
Lorrie & Jim Etchason
October 18, 2014
Our thoughts and Prayers go out to Jacky and her family. Fred was such a awesome man. I loved to talk to Fred I loved his positive energy. He always had a smile on his face and yes I don't think he ever met a stranger. Jacky you & Fred are one of a kind. Thank you for coming to Palm Springs and making Elmers what it is. Love to you and everyone at Elmers. We will never forget Fred and his smiling face.
JB
October 18, 2014
Fred was a good guy and a great police officer and detective. I am glad he had such a good life after the job. My condolences to his family and friends.
October 18, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. We love Elmer's and the biggest reason besides the good food and great service was the friendliness of you and Fred. He would always stop by our table and talk to us. We had no idea he was even sick. We are shocked.
Julie & Bob Bain
October 18, 2014
Jackie sorry to hear about Fred my thought and prayers for you and your family Eli
Michael Dearth
October 18, 2014
So sorry, Jacky...my deepest sympathy to you and your family. See you soon.
Mike Meenan
October 18, 2014
Fred was a great detective and a good friend to me and the rest of the media in the desert. He was always fun to talk to....will miss him!
Chuck Hans Tony Pat
October 18, 2014
Sundays will never again be the same for us.
Paul & Philip Colacicco
October 18, 2014
Even though, we didn't know, Fred that well, we instantly liked him. Especially when he and Philip would talk cop shop. Jackie, if their is anything we can do, we are always at Elmer's for a early breakfast of a later dinner. Paul & Philip (Your Deepwell regulars)
Paul & Zane W~illiamson
October 18, 2014
So sorry to hear the news. Hard to believe his smiling face will not be there on our next visit. Jackie, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Angel Bjerke
October 17, 2014
Dear Mrs. Donnell, I am so sorry for your loss. Fred has a special place in my heart and I will forever remember all of our fun and inspiring conversations. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Sincerely,
Angel Bjerke AKA Rocky to Fred.
October 17, 2014
Jacky, sorry for your loss. He was such an amazing man. We will miss him, and all the stories that he told us. Joe & Carmen Saavedra
SUSAN
October 17, 2014
Hello to Jacky and all of the wonderful staff at Elmer's.
Elmer's will not be the same, but I know that it will continue to spread warmth, hominess and good food.
My heart mourns with you at this time of loss.
October 17, 2014
Jackie, we are so sorry and send our most heartfelt sympathy to you and to your family. Our prayers are with you.
Bob and Elise Richmond
MaryAnn/Larry Smith
October 17, 2014
Godspeed Fred, Elmer's will never be quite the same without your presence. If we ever had a question about Palm Springs history, all we had to do is "ask Fred". Fred, you will be sorely missed...
R.IP.
MaryAnn and Larry Smith (Palm Desert & Arcadia )
October 17, 2014
Jacky, Judi and I are so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He will be greatly missed. Fred and Judi Cohen
Pat Porter
October 17, 2014
Good friend, fun to work with. RIP, Fred, you will be missed.
Karen Lindblom
October 17, 2014
Jacky, It is just stunning that Bob and Fred died within such a short period of time. Bob passed away just three weeks ago on September 26. It was so recently that they were both sitting together in the infusion room talking and laughing and telling their "war stories" of working together. I am so glad they were able to spend so much quality time, even if it was while getting their chemotherapy.
I can understand what you are going through right now, as I have so recently, as I said, lost Bob. We were married 55 years. Please know I am thinking of you and hoping that the memories of all the wonderful times you and Fred had through the years will be a comfort at this terrible time.
Sincerely, Karen
Mary and Bob Clifford
October 17, 2014
Jacky, with our deepest sympathy and condolences. Fred was so full of life - and always had a smile. We are blessed to have gotten to know him and you since 2008. God Bless and Prayers
Patricia Curry
October 17, 2014
Oh no! I am heartbroken. Wish I would have known he was as sick as this. Jacky, peace, love, sympathy, wishing you whatever it is you need and feeling stupid for not keeping in touch.
Kelley Harris
October 17, 2014
Jacky and Deb~
Words can not describe my depth of sympathy for you both, as I am grieving in a tremendous way also. I have been so blessed to have this amazing and magnificent man be such a huge part of my life growing up and as an adult. I will be forever grateful for the many decades spent laughing, loving and learning with and from him. I love you both with all my heart.
October 17, 2014
Jacky, I'm not sure what to say. Our hearts ache. xxoo Joe & Karen
Nate Israelson
October 17, 2014
Jacky: I want you to know how sad I am for your loss. Fred was a wonderful friend. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him and may God help you at this time of loss.
Teryl & Steve Asikainen
October 16, 2014
Jacky & family -- you know how much Fred meant to us and I'm sure so many more. We have the best memories of fun and laughter every time we were together. See you soon. Love you.
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