Charles L. "Butch" O'Donnell

Charles O'Donnell ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home - Chambersburg on Mar. 10, 2026.On March 8, 2026, Charles L. (Butch) O'Donnell passed away after a three-year battle with dementia. He succumbed to his illness in hospice care at Magnolias Memory Care in Chambersburg.Born in Shippensburg on September 24, 1942, Butch was the son of Mary (Alexander) O'Donnell.Butch left school to work on the family farm and later in life obtained his GED and enrolled in management courses. He dedicated 38 years to the Beistle Company as a maintenance supervisor. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of a new facility situated on Walnut Bottom Road near Interstate 81; this project spanned several years. Prior to joining Beistle Company, he worked at the Silk Mill of Shippensburg for two years.After retirement, Butch constructed his dream workshop where he crafted desks and toy boxes for his grandchildren, as well as other remarkable crafts. He enjoyed working in his garden and maintaining his meticulously manicured lawn. Hunting season was his favorite time of year. Butch was a lifelong Philadelphia Phillies fan.He was a member of the First Wesleyan Church of Shippensburg, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and Board Member. He later attended the Christian Missionary Alliance Church and would also visit his childhood church, South Mountain Chapel. He was actively involved in the community, serving as a member of the Shippensburg Borough Council, Community Chest (United Way), Board member of CFJMA, served on the Southampton Township Planning Commission, and served as a Southampton Township Cumberland County Township Supervisor.Butch was married to his teenage sweetheart, Edna L. (Rotz) O'Donnell for over 50 years, until her passing in November of 2014.He is survived by his three children: Randy L. O'Donnell and his wife Carmen, Steven A. O'Donnell and his wife Stacey, and Melisa K. (O'Donnell) Miller and her husband Curt, as well as seven grandchildren, Samantha (O'Donnell) White and fiancé Lance, Kylea (O'Donnell) Thornton and husband Tanner, Brandon O'Donnell and wife Alicia, Trever O'Donnell and fiancée Ashlyn, Kendra (Miller) Hoffmann and husband Layton, Colby Miller and wife Ally, and Kaylee Miller; and three great-grandchildren, Charlee White, Maverick Hoffmann, and Elsie Hoffmann. Butch is also survived by brother Rick O'Donnell and his wife Sue, brother John O'Donnell, and sister Joanne (O'Donnell) Willis and her companion Mike Reed.In addition to his wife Edna, Butch was preceded in death by his mother Mary, and his brother Terry O'Donnell.A private funeral service and burial will be held at the family's discretion.In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to:Christian Missionary Alliance Church, 230 Salem Road, Chambersburg, Pa., 17201;West End Fire & Rescue Company, 49 Lurgan Avenue, Shippensburg, Pa., 17257; orSouth Mountain Chapel, 11 Chestnut Grove Road, Shippensburg, Pa., 17257.The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Wellmon, the staff of Magnolias Memory Care, and the staff of Grane Hospice for their unwavering support and compassionate care during our father's battle with this challenging illness.Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home, Ltd., Chambersburg has been entrusted with these services. Online condolences may be expressed at www.kelsocorneliusfh.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.