Charles Octavius McDoniel

Charles Octavius McDoniel, 93, of Davenport, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center East, surrounded by his devoted wife and family.

A graveside service will be held at Davenport Memorial Park on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to join the funeral procession are invited to gather at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m.

Born July 7, 1932, in Walnut Grove, Arkansas, to Virgil and Audie (Lewallen) McDoniel, Charles was a man defined by his hands, his humor, and his heart. On May 6, 1953, he married the love of his life, Mattie "Pat" Baxter, in Batesville, Arkansas. Their 72-year journey was a masterclass in devotion, serving as the steady foundation for five generations of family.

A proud veteran, Charles served three years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his service, he spent 30 years as a skilled Tool and Die Maker at Caterpillar, retiring in 1988. He was a longtime member of the First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Rock Island.

Charles was known for a wit that could catch you off guard and an infectious laugh that followed close behind. An avid fisherman and "tinkerer," he spent his retirement years in Many, Louisiana, where he embraced the outdoors and gathered a community of lifelong friends before returning to Iowa.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mattie "Pat"; daughters, Debbie (Mike) McCollom and Sandy (John) Boyd; daughter-in-law, Mary Clarke McDoniel; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; children, Stacey McDoniel, Sue Hosseinian, and Charles McDoniel; brothers, J.C., Ralph, and Lewis McDoniel; and sisters, Dorothy James and Martha Brogden.