GERALD WILLIAM DONAHUE

Gerald William (Don) Donahue went to his Heavenly home Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 10:29PM at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, TX. Memorial Service Honoring Don's life will be Monday, October 17, 2022 at 3:00PM at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Tx, with Pastor Charles McDanel officiating. Don wanted to be cremated and his wishes were honored. Gerald was born October 17, 1948 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was the adopted beloved son of William Gerald Donahue and Dorothy Donahue. His Mom and Dad were overjoyed the day he arrived. Don spent the first part of his growing up and attended school in Springfield, Ohio. Sadly, his beloved Father William Gerald Donahue passed away from leukemia when Don was about 13 years old. His Mother eventually remarried and they moved to Rhode Island with his Stepfather. Don graduated from Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island June 18, 1967. At the age of 18, on July 10, 1967, shortly after graduating High School, he entered into the U.S. Army to proudly serve his Country. Don served his country for 29yrs, retiring on April 27, 2007 with the rank of E7. He served 4 tours in Vietnam, earning many medals and honors. He earned the National Defense Service Medal w/Device, Marksman badge with bar(s) for Rifle M-14 & pistol cal 45, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 1 Silver and 4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Marksman (Rifle). Gerald attended Military Police School at Ft. Gordon, Ga and completed it in 1967. Part of Don's military career was proudly served in the Texas National Guard. While he served in the National Guard, he also worked at Mates in Gatesville, TX until his retirement, April 27,2007. Don is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Kay Donahue of 46 years, his Loving Son Mark Gregory Donahue and his Wife Paige Donahue, Grandchildren John Thomas (JT) Donahue, Katheryn Kay Donahue, Kagan Amberley-Bari and Karlie Elaine Nicole Donahue. In addition to his Loving Son, God blessed him with a foster daughter Antonette (Toni) Lynn Harlow and Husband David Harlow and four more Grandchildren who are Jelyannah (Jill) Dawn Tedeschi, Jeremiah Lukas (Luke) Selland, Elizabeth Ruth Harlow and Scarlette Helen Harlow. He was lovingly called many different names such as Poppy, Pa Pa Don and Grandpa. He did not care what his Grandchildren called him because he loved each and everyone of them so much. He cherished every minute he spent with those precious children. Don's beloved Mother and Father, William Gerald and Dorothy Donahue preceded him as well as his beloved oldest Son, John Edwin Donahue (Jed). I know without a doubt they are all together and rejoicing in Heaven. Don was an incredible human being who loved his God, his country and his family and friends very much. He never lost his faith in his Lord even up until God called him home. As sick as Don was, he never complained and he kept going until his last days here on Earth. When he served his country he served with Honor, Pride, Dignity and Love. He led the men that were in his platoon by example and never ask anything of them that he would not do himself. As for his family, he was always there for them, as their leader and protector and it did not matter what time of the day or night that he was needed he was there for them. When his sons were born he was elated and was close with each of them and they had an incredible bond. When God blessed Don by bringing Toni into his life, he was elated also, as she was the Daughter he never had. They got very close and bonded with each other. His Grandchildren were his world and they were the icing on the cake when each one of them were born. He was an incredible Grandfather and was with each and every one of them as often as he could be. Each one has their own uniqueness and personalities and he would talk about them endlessly if you let him-they were all his pride and joy. He was many things to so many people, but to his wife, he was the love of her life, her protector, her best friend, the rock she could count on no matter what. When Don went to be with his Lord and Savior, a piece of Sandra went with him. Her heart is not and will never be the same until she sees him when God calls her home to Heaven. God Blessed their union with two Children, one foster Daughter, eight precious Grandchildren, a precious Daughter in law who is like a daughter and a good Christian Husband and Father to Toni. Lastly, God blessed Sandra with having this wonderful, loving man in her life for over 46 yrs before he went to his Heavenly home. In addition to Don's family here in Texas, he had many close friends and many extended family of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins he will be especially missed by two of his first Cousins, Kathleen Walters and Ann Frigge.

GERALD WILLIAM DONAHUE

October 17, 1948 - March 10, 2020