FORREST C. DONNELL was born in Quitman, Missouri on August 20, 1884. His education was attained at the University of Missouri, where he earned an undergraduate degree in 1904 and a law degree in 1907. He established his legal career, serving as the Webster Grove city attorney. After a long and distinguished career as a practicing lawyer, he next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor on November 5, 1940. He was inaugurated on February 26, 1941. During his tenure, World War II had started, and the state dealt with the manufacturing of war related products. Also Camp Leonard Wood and Camp Crowder were set up. After completing his term, Donnell left office on January 8, 1945. He continued to stay politically active, serving as a member of the U.S. Senate, a position held from 1945 to 1951. Governor Forrest C. Donnell passed away on March 3, 1980, and was buried in the Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.