Jeffrey Allan Donnelly, born November 3, 1956, brought light and laughter into this world until his passing on July 14, 2026. Through every chapter of his nearly seventy years, Jeff’s legacy shone through in countless acts of courage, sportsmanship, and loving devotion to his family.

Jeff will long be remembered for his spirited sense of humor, best described as ornery yet utterly endearing. A natural athlete, Jeffrey excelled at any sport involving a ball, but nothing delighted him more than golfing on Sunday mornings—a cherished ritual that, for him, was both a pursuit and a celebration with friends.

Adventurous by nature, Jeffrey sought excitement in life’s wild rivers as much as he did in the simple joys of a game. White water rafting thrilled him, yet his greatest triumphs were those spent gathered with loved ones. He was an avid supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals and could often be found cheering them on, from the comfort of his living room, surrounded by family.

A thirty-three-year veteran of the Kansas City Fire Department, Jeffrey served his community as a firefighter and driver with unwavering dedication, retiring with a career full of achievement and camaraderie. Though his proudest stories of injury came not from the dangers of the fire line, but from spirited games of ping pong and basketball in the firehouse, those playful moments were as much a testament to his character as the multiple awards he earned for saving lives. Every life touched, every fire fought, every life-saving act was a point of pride, but so too were the friendships and playful rivalries that colored his days at the station.

Jeff cherished the time spent with his beloved family, especially his grandchildren, whose laughter and adventures brought him boundless happiness. Whether telling stories, teaching a skill, or simply being together, those precious times formed the core of his greatest joys.

Above all, Jeff loved his wife so much. She was his one true soulmate. Their eyes sparkled when looking at each other. The way they laughed together was infectious. Their relationship was built with love on a rock solid foundation of friendship and respect. He was never the same after she passed. Nearly 40 years together on Earth wasn’t enough for them and though their love wasn’t perfect, it is everlasting.

Jeffrey Allan Donnelly’s departure leaves both an ache and enduring warmth in the hearts of all who knew him. In each memory shared, every story retold, and every game played in his honor, his spirit lives on—humorous, generous, steadfast, and loving.

Jeff was preceded in death by the love of his life, Datha Donnelly; his father: Albert (Nema) Donnelly; and his step brother: Steve Meyer.

He is survived by his dear family, being his daughters: Ashley (Ryan) Beer, and Vanessa (Adam) Scott; grandchildren: Kasey, Brennan, Karsyn, and Derek; as well as his extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers that we would appreciate a donation to the Lewy Body Dementia Association: https://lbda.org/donate