Donna Gayle McKandles

Our strong, beloved mother, Donna Gayle Truesdell McKandles, went to be with the Lord, her Savior on a perfect Saturday afternoon, September 7, 2024, surrounded by her family. 

Celebration of life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Odessa at 1:30 PM, Friday, September 13, 2024, with the Reverend John Wamsley officiating and graveside service immediately following at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, Odessa, TX 

Donna was born in Odessa, Texas on December 8, 1953, to Donavan Joeldeane (Deane) Truesdell & Wanda Gayle Hughes Truesdell. She married the love of her life Gene Travis McKandles on January 13, 1973. Gene & Donna have three children and while raising her family she maintained her career as a banker for over 37 years. She was employed at Western National Bank for 17 years and finished out her career at the (now known) PNC bank in 2013. 

Donna’s strength came from her selflessness, sense of family, and strong faith in the Lord. She never put herself first; always making sure her family had what they needed. I cannot think of a time were mom got something specifically for herself or even splurged on a special treat. She could move mountains and make miracles happen if one of her children were in need. Mom found her strength in providing for her family and the love that Dad bestowed upon her. Her faith coupled with my dad’s made them an unstoppable duo. They completely lived by faith, and when times seemed hopeless (as they often did) they knew that God would see them through. She was a member of First Baptist Church Odessa for years and even though she did not always attend in person, we knew not to disturb her while she watched the worship service on TV. 

Donna is proceeded in death by her parents, Donavan Joeldeane (Deane) Truesdell & Wanda Gayle Hughes Truesdell; her husband, Gene Travis McKandles; her sister, Charlotte Ann Hellums; her brother-in-law, Danny Lee Daniels; her nephew, Jonathon Scott Daniels; and her very beloved & cherished dog, Sweetie.

She is survived by her baby sister, Jimmie Deane Daniels; her bother-in-law, Tom Hellums; her brother, David Paul Truesdell; her children, Sharmin & Russell Merritt, Benjamin Joeldeane McKandles, David & Sara McKandles, and Billy & Leslie Chappell; her grandchildren, Breonna Gayle Daugherty, Dausen Scott Daugherty, MacKenzye Syma, Shayne Wesley McKandles, and Cora Gray McKandles. Donna also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom at many times she would deem as her children.

Donna’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Interim Healthcare of Midland & specifically Reina for their caring and gentleness in transitioning mom home.