The Richmond News, Apr. 25, 2025

Martin Lynn “Marty” O’Donnell, 60, of Richmond died Friday, April 18, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City. Martin was born Nov. 20, 1964, in Ray County, the son of Henry Woodrow and Pearl L. (George) O’Donnell. He was first united in marriage to Elsie Covey of Richmond on Dec. 1, 1990. She preceded him in death on Oct. 6, 2008.

He later married Melissa Kay Deam of Richmond on May 30, 2015. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include his son, Martin Lynn (Sammi) O’Donnell of Lexington; two daughters, Samantha (John) Reynolds of Richmond and Autumn Lane of Nashville; and four grandchildren, Saul Hedrick, Abra Reynolds, Maye Reynolds and Aurora O’Donnell. He also is survived by three brothers, Henry (Sherry) O’Donnell of Malta Bend, Everett (Becky) O’Donnell of Gilliam and Randall (Regina) O’Donnell of Marshall; two sisters, Nannette (Clyde) Haley of Malta Bend and Mechelle (Bill) Hall of Hardin; and two sisters-in-law, Dianna Noltensmeyer of Richmond and Lisa (Mike) Currier of Hawaii.

In addition to his first wife, Martin was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, David Noltensmeyer.

Marty served from 1983 until 1986 in the U.S. Army. From there, he was a military reservist until he retired in 2006. He was so proud of his service. He said he’d do it a million times over if he could. He was so happy the day he made it to see the Pearl Harbor Memorial in 2015 and Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day weekend in 2018.

As his civilian job, he worked as a city postal carrier for the Excelsior Springs Post Office until his retirement. He loved his job and everyone on his route, and they loved him, too. He was always helping them out, whether it be shoveling a snowy driveway or raking leaves.

He was a true gentleman. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He never knew a stranger.

Marty’s greatest passions in life were his family, making people laugh and watching every Chiefs game. He believed he was put on this earth to make others smile and laugh. You knew he was up to something when he got a twinkle in his eye and a smirk on his face.

Marty had a smile as bright as the sun. It lit up every room that had the pleasure of seeing it, usually after he just got done making a joke or pulling a prank.

Marty was the best husband and father, but becoming a papa meant the world to him. Spending family time was what he enjoyed the most, and he loved when his siblings, nieces and nephews could get together for the holidays.

Marty was one the hardest working, most caring, most loving and funniest guys the world has had the pleasure of knowing. He’s going to be greatly missed and unconditionally loved forever.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Martin Lynn O’Donnell Memorial Fund. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main Street-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation was scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Funeral services were scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, April 24, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Burial was to follow the services in Evergreen Cemetery in Braymer, with military honors provided by the Army and Ray County Veterans.

Please share your memories of Martin with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.