Carol O'Donnell Parker Obituary
Carol Ann "Missy" O'Donnell Parker, of Columbia, MO, formerly of Hannibal, MO passed away on October 27, 2025, at the age of 77.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hannibal, MO. Fr. Mike Quinn and Fr. Greg Meystrik will officiate. Burial will be at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Hannibal, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Missy's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, November 14, 2025, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. A rosary service will be held at 5:30 PM on Friday at the funeral home.
Born on February 8, 1948, in Hannibal, MO, to Harold M. "Bud" O'Donnell and Dortha V. Dent O'Donnell, Missy was a cherished member of the community and a devout Catholic who left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew her.
Missy's early life in Hannibal was filled with joy and the close-knit bonds of family. A proud graduate of McCooey High School in 1965, she carried with her the friendships and lessons from those formative years throughout her life. She furthered her education at Northeast Missouri State University, where she continued to build a foundation of knowledge and faith that would guide her in her many endeavors.
Her commitment to her Catholic faith was evident in her lifelong dedication to the Catholic Workers Movement. Missy found profound satisfaction in volunteering at various ministries, including St. Francis House, the Lois Bryant House, and the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, all located in Columbia, MO. Her selflessness and compassion touched countless lives, providing comfort and aid to those in need.
Missy's love for her hometown of Hannibal never waned, and she often reminisced about her cherished high school years and the lifelong friendships she developed. Her enthusiasm for sports was boundless, with a particular fondness for Mizzou Tigers Football, St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, and Kansas City Chiefs Football. Her passion for her teams was a vibrant thread in the fabric of her life.
Family was Missy's heart and soul. She reveled in the activities of her children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to support her nephews in their sporting endeavors. Her presence at these events was a testament to her unwavering support and love.
A woman of many talents, Missy was an exceptional cook, known for her insistence on preparing meals from scratch. Her German Chocolate cake was legendary-a sweet exception in her otherwise health-conscious repertoire. She found joy in card games, with "Spades" being her favorite, and she was always ready for a game of backgammon.
Missy's cultural tastes were as rich and diverse as her personality. She adored anything featuring Martin Sheen, with "The West Wing" ranking as a top favorite. "Downtown Abbey" and "M*A*S*H" were also among her preferred TV shows. Her musical tastes ranged from the soothing melodies of John Denver to the iconic crooning of Frank Sinatra, the folk music of the '60s and '70s, and the timeless tunes of Fleetwood Mac.
Missy is survived by her loving children, Chris Bowling (Valerie Wedel), Traci Truesdale (Jeff Davis), Julie Hague (Todd), and Meghan Graybeal (Jeremiah); her beloved sister-in-law, Linda O'Donnell; her cherished grandchildren, Arleigh Truesdale, Todd R.K. Hague, Will Hague, Henry Hague, and Sam Graybeal; her devoted nephews, James J. "Jimmy" O'Donnell (Amber), Rory P. O'Donnell (Brenna), and Jordan M. O'Donnell; and her adored great-nieces and great-nephews: Molly, Jimmy, Annie, Rory and Scarlett. Her parents, her infant sister Mary, her brother James V. "Jimmy" O'Donnell, 2 aunts: Helen O'Donnell Davis (H.E. "Scat"), Gracille King (Don) and one uncle, Virgil Dent (Margaret) preceded her in death.
Loving, funny, and eternally optimistic, Missy's legacy is one of joy, faith, and boundless love. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness and the strength of family bonds. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Worker's Movement in care of the James O'Donnell Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol Ann, please visit our floral store.
Published by WGEM on Oct. 31, 2025.