Jerry Lynn Donaho

Jerry Lynn Donaho, 72, born October 9, 1941, passed away into perfect life with our Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, June 20, 2014. Born to Eddie and Gladys Donaho, he learned the value of hard work and helping neighbors on their small farm south of Corsicana. Raised in Retreat and schooled in Corsicana ISD, he enjoyed most the simple things in life like fishing, riding motorcycles, baseball, reading, and listening to country western music. He leaves a community richer than he found it, after coaching little league at Beebee Field, serving in many homes as a Southwestern Bell telephone lineman, and ushering at Wesley Methodist Church until his health declined. Many many now know that he was well known for perfect attendance at both school and work, receiving a certificate for 15 years without a missed day for Ma Bell, or turning down a supervisor's position to allow his kids to grow up in a small town. Having lost his own father at eight, he secretly devoted many hard-earned dollars to Boys' Homes. His special affinities were PBS Mysteries, Lonesome Dove quotations, the Civil War, and country western lyrics. He enjoyed his Telephone Family, and those who were nicknamed by him were loved and cherished; he nicknamed every one and had a story to follow about how the individual was special. "Storeroom" anecdotes will be cherished by his children's children for many years to come. He found a way to give the little moments in life a memorable impact with humor. Preceding Jerry in death were his parents, Eddie and Gladys Donaho, and siblings, Eddie Leon Donaho, Herman Neil Donaho and Meryl Ann Donaho Collins. He leaves behind the love of his life, wife of 52 years, Marjorie Nell McMillan Donaho, his "favorite" daughter, Lisa Donaho West and son in love, Joe M. West, Jr, his "favorite" son Kelly and daughter in love, Claudia Donaho. He adored his grandsons, Joe Connor West, Jack Thomas Donaho and Will Ethan Donaho. Sister in law Elanor Johnston Donaho, Sister in law Polly and husband Gurley Howell, brothers in law Lawrence McMillan and wife Doris, Leslie "Butch" McMillan and wife Clara Jo are all left to grieve his loss. He cherished his many Donaho-McMillan nieces and nephews and was so happy to catch up with them at Christmas and Family Reunions these last few years. Due to his express wishes to "keep it simple", Jerry will be cremated and memorialized at a later date. Visitation will be at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home on Sunday, June 22, 2014 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. The family sends grateful thanks to Dr. James Boehrer, for 14 years of excellent post-transplant care, and the team of caregivers at UTSWestern-St. Paul Hospital for 15+ years of coordination. Words cannot do justice for the organ donor's family, who selflessly gave us these extra miracle years with our beloved Dad and Paw-Paw. More recently, the wonderful help of Cedar Creek Lake Hospice has been invaluable during time of struggle and pain as we learn to let him go. Our hearts, and his, have been filled. Special neighbors, Don Adams, Preston Bonner and George Winningham, have our deepest gratitude for the friendship and help they have given Jerry for many good years. In lieu of flowers, one may donate to Corsicana Salvation Army, Navarro County Food Pantry, Corsicana Public Library, Southwestern Transplant Alliance or the charity of you choice. A memorial will be planned at a later date when more Telephone Family members can be reached.

Jerry Lynn Donaho

October 9, 1941 - June 20, 2014