Our Staff

Born and raised in Northeast Missouri, James J. O’Donnell, graduated from Hannibal High School, has an Associate of Arts Degree from Hannibal LaGrange College and a Bachelor of Science in History from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. O'Donnell also holds an Associate of Mortuary Science Degree from Kansas City, graduated from Kansas Community College, and is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in both Missouri and Illinois.

In 2016 James J. O’Donnell joined the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel as an owner, funeral director and embalmer. The O’Donnell and Lewis Families have joined together for generations assisting each other in serving the families of Northeast Missouri and look forward to being a part of the Palmyra community for years to come.

In the spring of 2012 Jim was appointed by Missouri Governor, Jay Nixon to the Truman State University Board of Governors in Kirksville, MO. Jim is also a member of the Missouri Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, past member of board of directors for the Hannibal YMCA, past member of the Hannibal Park Board and past member of the Hannibal Arts Council Board, past member of the board of directors for Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce, member of Early Bird Kiwanis, member of the Hannibal Elks Lodge #1198, member of the men's auxiliary at the Hannibal Veterans of Foreign War #2446, member of Hannibal Knights of Columbus Council #907, and a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

Brad grew up and worked on the family farm, South of Philadelphia, MO near Warren. He graduated from Monroe City High School in 1994 and started working at the James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal while persuing his Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kanses Community College. He completed coursework from KCKCC in 1997 and is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.

 After receiveing his Associates Degree, he continued to work at the funeral home for many years learning under the leadership of the late James "Big Jim" O'Donnell. Also having the opportunity to work alongside Jimmy O'Donnell, Dave Lewis, and Steve Lewis over the years sharing in their passion for serving families.

Brad is married to Jacki (Murphy) and they have 3 children Keilynn, Thomas, and Carley. They also have 2 grandchildren, Haven and River. Brad enjoyes spending time on the family farm whenever possible.

Anna started working with the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in 2019 as Office Manager. While working in the background assisting funeral directors and families, she decided to pursue an apprenticeship in funeral directing. After completing her apprenticeship and extensive testing she accomplished her goal of being able to better serve families during difficult times.

Anna grew up in Hannibal, graduating from Hannibal Senior High in 1988. She lived and worked in the Pacific Northwest for a time and returned to Missouri in 2011. 

She and her husband Chris, live on a farm between Palmyra and Philadelphia. They have one son, three daughters, and eight grandchildren. The family also has four hunting dogs and 2 cats.

Anna is involved with many community events and fundraisers. Currently, she serves with the Chamber of Commerce as chairperson for the Taste of Palmyra.

She likes to read, sew, quilt, and create Pinterest projects, while teaching her children and grandchildren how to cook and bake.

David M. Lewis is a third generation funeral director. He did his undergraduate studies at Northeast Missouri State Univerity and graduated from St. Louis Community College Mortuary Science Program. He is a member of the National, Missouri and Illinois Funeral Directors Associations. Also, he has served on both regional and state funeral association boards. He is a past president for the Tri-State Funeral Directors Assoc. for Missouri, Illinois and Iowa.

He and his wife Gabe are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Palmyra.

Paul Quinn was born, raised, and lived most of his life in Swinkey, just outside of Monroe City. He and his late wife Judy (Whiston) Quinn raised nine children.

Today, Paul and his wife Deana have 34 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Paul is a member of St. Joseph Parish in Palmyra and Knights of Columbus in Indian Creek. He's very active in prison ministry.

Paul is a retired farmer, Monroe County Cimmissioner and Assessor, and he represented our area as a Missouri State Representative from 2007-2013.

Paul stayes busy going to his grandchildren's sports and school activities. He likes to golf, work outside, play cards, and spend time with family and friends.

Ellen Goodwin is a life-long resident of Palmyra, moving here when she was young from Jefferson City, MO. She graduated from Palmyra High School in 1970 and soon thereafter married the love of her life V. Dwayne Goodwin. In that marriage they had two sons, Dwayne and Darin. Now she is the proud "Nanny" of two grandsons, Gabriel and Adam.

St. Joseph Catholic is her church family where she is a member of the choir. Ellen has had many occupations but the best one of all was that of being "Mom" to her sons! Both she and Dwayne loved traveling and spending time with their boys in their many activities. She was an insurance agent for B & S Insurance for 27 years; retiring in 2015.

Being retired means spending time doing what you want. She works as needed for Lewis brothers Funeral Chapel and drives the elderly for Hucks Medical.

Life life to the fullest today, for tomorrow is not promised!!

Thomas is our newest Funeral Director and Embalmer Apprentice currently pursuing his degree in Mortuary Science at Des Moines Area Community College.

Thomas enjoys taking in the great outdoors as often as possible. He looks forward to time spent in the quiet solitude of nature, hunting  deer, ducks, geese and most recently learning the art of fly fishing with friends. 

Thomas resides in Palmyra, MO.

Kevin is a life-long resident of Palmyra graduating from Palmyra High School then graduating from Culver Stockton College. After working at Missouri REC he started his career in public education until his retirement in June 2022. Kevin is married to Lynn Hillman, they have a daughter Taylor and granddaughter Willa. Kevin has a passion for being part of the community and wanted to extend that into serving at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel.