Age 81, Shenandoah, Va.
Donnie Lucky Jewell, 81, of Shenandoah, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Skyview Springs in Luray. Born in 1944 to Ethel Rhinehart Jewell and Hulbert Lee Jewell of Battle Creek, he graduated from Page County High School in 1964. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967, attaining the rank of sergeant.
In 1967, Donnie married his high school sweetheart, Judy Lam. They made their home in Shenandoah and raised two daughters, Tracey and Trish. A hardworking jack of all trades, Donnie held positions in business, insurance, and construction before joining the Town of Shenandoah in 1990 as a certified water treatment technician. He retired in 2006 but continued working part time with the town’s Public Works for nearly 20 years.
Donnie devoted much of his life to his community. He was a founding member of the Shenandoah Recreation League, coached and refereed basketball, served on the Shenandoah Town Council, and briefly served as interim mayor in 1980. A longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church, he taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, served on committees, and appeared with Judy for 23 years in the annual Christmas drama, The Bethlehem Inn.
Known for his strong work ethic and friendly nature, Donnie enjoyed golf, gardening, good coffee, and visiting with friends. He especially treasured being a grandfather to Kelsey.
He was preceded in death by his half-brothers, Wayne and Denver Blosser; sister, Ruby Ann Nicholson; and brother, Mark T. Jewell. Survivors include his wife, Judy Jewell; daughters, Tracey Jewell and partner, Ellen Mukai, and Trish Jewell Smith and husband, Larry; granddaughter, Kelsey Smith and fiancé, Nash Mullen; like a daughter, Mary Armbruster and her son, Marcus; sisters, Sandy Jewell Kite and husband, Jimmy and Bonnie Robichaud and husband, David; and many friends throughout the community.
A funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Monday, October 19, 2026 at Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton with Pastor Jimmy Kite officiating. Burial to follow at Newport Christian Church Cemetery in Page County.
Visitation will be 12 to 1 p.m., Monday, October 19, 2026 prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Shenandoah Pentecostal Holiness Church Special Projects to provide support throughout the Shenandoah community.
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