Jake Donaldson

Charles Harry “Jake” Donaldson, of Charleston, MO, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born June 23, 1948 in Cairo, IL, to Charles Overton Donaldson and Katherine Marie Brewer Donaldson. He attended and graduated from Charleston High School in 1966. He enlisted in the Army in April of 1968 where he completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO he was transferred to Fort Eustis, VA to be trained as a helicopter blade mechanic. He served two tours in Vietnam from 1968-1970. Was then stationed at Fort Riley, Manhattan, KS where he was honorably discharged in April of 1971 with the rank of SPEC 5. He was attached to the 101st Airborne Division, Screaming Eagles receiving numerous awards and accommodations.

On June 8, 1968, Jake married Linda Scheffer of Charleston, MO, where they have resided for the past 58 years.

He was a member of the Charleston Jr. Chamber of Commerce Jaycee’s for many years. He was head of the Christmas Toys for Tots program numerous years and was honored as Jaycee Man of the Year in 1975.

Upon returning from the service, he was employed by his father-in -law, Frank Scheffer Sr. at his business The Bootheel Smokehouse. Later he owned and operated his own Semi-Truck, Jake Donaldson & Son. Afterwards he was employed and retired from the Charleston, MO Post Office for 24 years as a rural mail carrier.

He is survived by his wife Linda, one son Charles “Cully” Donaldson (Brie Baker), one daughter Shelley Cissell. 6 grandchildren: Jacob Cissell, Carolyn Donaldson, Megan Cissell, Shelby Donaldson, Kalub Rowley, Charles “Blake” Donaldson. 6 Great-Grandchildren: Bentley, Blayze, Briella, Liam, Karter, and Hallie. One sister Jonna “Joni” Berry, (Bob Berry) of Jackson, MO.

Preceded in death by his parents: Charles O and Katherine M Donaldson.

Visitation will be from noon until the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

Interment with full military honors will follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.

Pallbearers will be Jimmie Chandler, Jonathon Hogan, Richard Forbey, Jr., Ross Forbey, Dewayne Taylor and Keith Coots.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.