John L. Donahue was born in Longview, Wash., on April 8, 1928, to Jack and Mary Ella Donahue. He passed away in Olympia at his home on Aug. 5, 2017, surrounded by loved ones.

He attended schools in Longview and graduated from R.A. Long High School in 1945. He and his best friend, Jim Ford, joined the Navy immediately. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater until the end of WWII.

Using the GI Bill, he went to Lower Columbia Community College, St. Martin’s University and graduated with a degree in education from Western Washington University.

He taught and coached in Washington public schools from 1952 until he retired in 1983. From 1956 until 1983, he coached the highly successful basketball program at Elma High School. His teams made 13 state and 21 district appearances, winning the state title in 1964. His skills as a player earned him a place in both the Lower Columbia Community College and the St. Martin’s University Halls of Fame.

He loved to golf and continued coaching for a while post retirement. You could find him on the golf course five days a week, walking, no cart, well into his 80s. He was also one heck of a razor clam digger — in the surf, shovel, one scoop and done. He maintained his sense of humor until the end.

His three children survive him: Diane (Richard) Craighead, Lynn Shoopman and Dan (Jeri) Donahue. The apples of his eye were his four granddaughters: Sierra, Reilly, Rachel and Mari. Four of his seven siblings survive him: Trudy Felder, Peggy Lewis, Bernard Donahue and Irita Nicholas. Besides his parents, his siblings who preceded him are: Patrick Donahue, Frank Donahue and Ella Quinlan.

We would like to thank Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice for their excellent care, and the Abella family of Angel’s Grace AFH for their loving care and compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Martin’s University Worthington Center on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, at 1 p.m.

Please share memories at www.FuneralAlternatives.org.