Cecil Don "Donnie" Fenner

Cecil Don 'Donnie' Fenner, of Edna, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 at the age of 85. He was born in Cordele, Texas on June 1, 1930, to the late Oscar Brenhurst ('O. B.') Fenner and Leta Brigham Fenner.

Donnie was a retired rice farmer and rancher in northern Jackson County. Donnie was active for many years in Farm Bureau. He received a Texas Farm Bureau Pioneer Award in 2008 to reflect his impact on the organization over the years. He joined the Jackson County Farm Bureau in 1955 and through the years since that time has served as president, vice president and secretary-treasurer of the organization. At the state level, he served as a member of the Resolutions and Legislative committees and he chaired the Rice Committee. He was director of Edna Rice Elevators and served on various rice related committees.

He was a former director of the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority. He was a graduate of Texas A&I and veteran of the United States Air Force.

Donnie loved being around boats and lakes. He had a home in Lakeway for many years and could be found there almost every weekend until very late in his life. He and his wife went on cruises all over the world, with his favorite being on board the QE2 in Europe for the 50th anniversary of D-Day.

Donnie is survived by his loving wife, Fern Barron Fenner; his son, Charles Oscar ('Charlie') Fenner of Houston; his sister, Marjorie Nell Bolling of Houston; his daughter-in-law, Nancy Koch Fenner of El Campo; and his three grandchildren, Scott Fenner Jr., Jonathan Fenner and Natalie Tsavachidou Fenner.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Scott Fenner; his sister, LaNoe Scherer and his brother, O.B. Fenner, Jr.

Following a private family burial service, a public memorial service will be held on Monday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Edna. Rev. Adam Knapp will officiate. Refreshments will be served at the church following the service.

Memorials may be made to the C.O. Fenner Charitable Foundation, 1970 County Road 229, Ganado, TX 77962, the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 790, Edna, TX 77957, or another charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221.

www.oaklawnfhednatx.com