John W. Donahue
John W. "Bill" Donahue, 84, of Springfield, died at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2008, in Villa Springfield. He was born in Springfield on July 20, 1924, the son of Joseph A. and Grace E. (Downs) Donahue, Sr.
He was a life member of former St. Mary Church and attended Catholic Central High School. Bill began work in the Quartermasters at the then, Patterson Field, where he met his future wife, Rosemary Snyder. In September 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was assigned in the Armed Guard aboard merchant ships having sailed twice around the world. On February 21, 1945 he and Rosemary were married in St. Mary Church.
Upon discharge from the Navy in December 1945, he had several jobs, including working for the family beer business, Donahue and Hankel Distributors. On January 1, 1954 he became a Springfield Police Officer. He was appointed Sergeant in 1968 and retired on December 31, 1979. He attended several universities to further his knowledge of police work and was a dedicated and respected officer. He was a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church, Captain Francis J. Shaffer Lodge 72 Fraternal Order of Police, Knights of Columbus #624, former member and Past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus #3737 and enjoyed family, golf and reading.
Survivors include his wife, Rosemary L. (Snyder); six children and spouses, Timothy (Joan) Donahue of Brandon, Florida, Patrick (Kim) Donahue of Springfield, James (Linda) Donahue of Riverview, Florida, Daniel (Brenda) Donahue of Xenia, Terrance (Jody Dobson) Donahue and John (Kyp) Donahue all of Springfield; six grandchildren, Beth, Sarah, Joseph, Jason, Katie and Rachel; great grandchildren, Dylan, Heather, Maya and Alyssa; step grandchildren, Robyn (Kyle) Curtis and Shem Schutte; two sisters, Rita (Carl) Rose of Lake Mary, Florida and Patricia (Jerry) Yontz of DeBary, Florida; two sisters-in-law, Marlene Donahue of Houston, Texas, Anita Donahue of Springfield; Brothers in law, Paul (Alice Joan) Small and Marvin (Dotty) Small; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph A. Donahue, Jr., Richard L. and Michael Donahue, three sisters, Agnes Donahue (Infant), Anna Rice and Mary Donahue, and daughter in law, Iras Donahue.
Friends may call in the CONROY FUNERAL HOME from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday with K of C services at 6:00 p.m. and F.O.P services at 6:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Teresa Church with Fr. Ed Gearhart and Fr. Ken Schartz officiating. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Teresa Church.
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