Obituary for Darrell J. Donahue
World War II veteran, Darrell Donahue, age 96, of Basehor, Kansas, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, Nov. 5th, 2022. Visitation will be Noon-1pm Saturday, Nov. 12 followed by a Celebration of Darrell's Life at 1pm, both at the First Baptist Church of Basehor. Burial will follow at a later date in the Bonner Springs Cemetery.
Darrell was born on September 8, 1926 at his family’s home in Bonner Springs and was the oldest of three children born to Clyde & Grayce Donahue. He was baptized at 9 years old and continued to follow the Lord all of his life. Darrell graduated from Bonner Springs High School in the Class of 1944. He only reached second class scouting due to the Scout Leader being called to War in 1941. Darrell was in the U.S. Army serving with General Patton in Germany from April 1945 to August of 1946, missing the Battle of the Bulge because of Germany U-Boats off the East Coast, resulting in a two-month detour through England and France years later. Darrell created a narrative of his two year experiences in Germany from the numerous letters his mother kept for him while he was gone. A copy of the narrative is in the History Museum in Leavenworth, KS., a copy in Fort Benning, GA., and in the Bonner Springs Library. Darrell took advantage of the GI Bill to go to one year of Business College to get a degree in accounting and also 3 years on the job training in accounting. He did accounting work for 30 years and then later, took over his father’s painting business. He was a Master Gardener and used his gifts to beautify his & others peoples gardens!
Darrell and Genevieve (Schubert) were married on Sept. 17, 1950. The couple enjoyed many national garden club conventions. He was a member of the Loring School Board for three years and 13 years on the Bonner Springs School Board, serving one year as President. Darrell was a founding member of the Bonner Springs/ Edwardsville Education Foundation, and he was a long-time member of the Rotary Club, The Bonner Springs VFW and the Gideons. He was inducted into the Bonner Springs High School Hall of Fame. He and Genevieve enjoyed square-dancing for over 30 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Genevieve, his parents, two sisters June Hadl and Marlene Tonnelson. Survivors include his children: Cheryl (Les) Myers of Derby, KS. and Jeff Donahue of Basehor, KS., Grandchildren: Nathan (Amanda) Myers, Matthew (Mandy) Myers, Amy (Matthew) Benton, Andrew Donahue. Great-grandchildren: Tyler, Riley, Aubrey, Joshua, Mycah, & Raiden. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will all miss him too! A special thank you to all his friends, and caretakers at Credo Assisted Living(Country Place), & all at Crossroads Hospice too!
Darrell was born on September 8, 1926 at his family’s home in Bonner Springs and was the oldest of three children born to Clyde & Grayce Donahue. He was baptized at 9 years old and continued to follow the Lord all of his life. Darrell graduated from Bonner Springs High School in the Class of 1944. He only reached second class scouting due to the Scout Leader being called to War in 1941. Darrell was in the U.S. Army serving with General Patton in Germany from April 1945 to August of 1946, missing the Battle of the Bulge because of Germany U-Boats off the East Coast, resulting in a two-month detour through England and France years later. Darrell created a narrative of his two year experiences in Germany from the numerous letters his mother kept for him while he was gone. A copy of the narrative is in the History Museum in Leavenworth, KS., a copy in Fort Benning, GA., and in the Bonner Springs Library. Darrell took advantage of the GI Bill to go to one year of Business College to get a degree in accounting and also 3 years on the job training in accounting. He did accounting work for 30 years and then later, took over his father’s painting business. He was a Master Gardener and used his gifts to beautify his & others peoples gardens!
Darrell and Genevieve (Schubert) were married on Sept. 17, 1950. The couple enjoyed many national garden club conventions. He was a member of the Loring School Board for three years and 13 years on the Bonner Springs School Board, serving one year as President. Darrell was a founding member of the Bonner Springs/ Edwardsville Education Foundation, and he was a long-time member of the Rotary Club, The Bonner Springs VFW and the Gideons. He was inducted into the Bonner Springs High School Hall of Fame. He and Genevieve enjoyed square-dancing for over 30 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Genevieve, his parents, two sisters June Hadl and Marlene Tonnelson. Survivors include his children: Cheryl (Les) Myers of Derby, KS. and Jeff Donahue of Basehor, KS., Grandchildren: Nathan (Amanda) Myers, Matthew (Mandy) Myers, Amy (Matthew) Benton, Andrew Donahue. Great-grandchildren: Tyler, Riley, Aubrey, Joshua, Mycah, & Raiden. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will all miss him too! A special thank you to all his friends, and caretakers at Credo Assisted Living(Country Place), & all at Crossroads Hospice too!