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- Donna Ruth Chesney Loggins of West Columbia, Texas, passed away on October 26, 2025. She was born in Bay City, Texas, on November 25, 1934, to Ernest Holdon Chesney and Virginia Douglas Brunner.
Donna grew up on Main Street in West Columbia, where her parents owned Chesney's Jewelry. She was one of the Boardwalk babies who spent childhood days between the family jewelry store and Bruno Drug Store. Donna attended West Columbia Schools, where she played basketball, marched in the high school band as a twirler, and studied piano. When her father promised to buy her a grand piano if she learned "Saint Louis Blues," she did, and he kept his promise. She continued her education at Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos.
On January 26, 1953, Donna married Reuben Burch Loggins Jr., and the couple moved to College Station, Texas. Donna worked for the College Station School System for five years, and when she left that position, the yearbook was dedicated in her honor. After Burch became a veterinarian, the family returned to West Columbia, and Donna again served in the school system. She later worked with her parents in the family jewelry store and purchased Chesney's Jewelry in 1977. Under her stewardship, the family business upheld a proud legacy and remains a beloved West Columbia landmark with more than a century of continuous operation.
Donna devoted herself to family and community. She and Burch raised two children in West Columbia: son R. B. "Bubby" Loggins and daughter Virginia "Jenny" Beth Morrow. Donna's life was defined by service and civic involvement. She helped organize and remained an active member of Beta Sigma Phi. She was a life member of Eastern Star Chapter #705, served two terms as Worthy Matron, and was the long-time musician for Eastern Star, sharing her musical gifts with chapters throughout District 4. She was also awarded the Golden Star by her chapter this year (2025).
Donna was an early and influential member of the West Columbia Rotary Club, the first woman invited to join and the first woman to serve as Rotary President. She served on the Columbia Historical Museum Association Board and the CEMS Board. Donna was a faithful, lifelong member of Columbia Methodist Church, having attended since the age of six.
A dedicated genealogist, Donna belonged to several county and state heritage societies, including Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of 1812, the Rev. Richard Buck Chapter of the 17th Century Colonial Dames, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Her family lineage includes a Texas ancestor who was among Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Holdon Chesney and Virginia Douglas Brunner; her husband, Reuben Burch Loggins Jr., and her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Loggins. She is survived by her son R. B. "Bubby" Loggins (Lynn), and her daughter Virginia "Jenny" Beth Morrow (Jeff). Her sister Patricia "Tissie" Schwebel (Bobby). Her grandchildren, Erin Peterson (Matt), Ben Loggins (Jessica), Todd Loggins (Kayla), Chesney Sisson (Ray), Coy Sims (Lauren), and Cody Morrow (Alice). Her great-grandchildren are Kaegan Sims (Jayce), Haelie Ganze (Clayton), Anabelle Loggins, Elizabeth Loggins, Olivia Loggins, Lenora Peterson, Charlee Sims, and Cameron Morrow.
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1934 - 2025 (90 years)
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