Joseph "Joe" Francis Donahue, 94, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born to John and Philomena (Denk) Donahue on July 17, 1929 in Wellsville, Ohio.

Joe graduated from Resurrection High School in 1947, and proudly served in the National Guard for seven years. He became a Custom Home Builder and built homes all around the Lansing area for over 40 years.

As an avid sportsman, he would hunt and fish, but golf was his true passion. As a 25 year member of the Grand Ledge Country Club, he managed to get his handicap down to 9! He loved to tell jokes, especially "Dad" jokes! He was sometimes referred to as "The Korn King!"

He will be greatly missed by: his loving wife of 45 years, Carolyn; his brother-in-law, Charles Joseph Mockridge; his children, Phil (Elma) Donahue, Terrie Donahue, Tom Donahue, Linda (George) Gonzalez, Joe (Doug Salzman) Donahue and Pat (Julie) Donahue; stepchildren, Sherri Cummings, Shelly Mossbarger and Chris Ridge; 12 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Hospice of your choice.

A poem written for Joe's 80th birthday:

July 17, 1929,
80 years ago
A boy was born named Joseph
But everyone called him "Joe"
They didn't have a lot of money
A family with 2 girls and 4 boys
Barely enough for food and rent
Much less for games and toys
Philomena labored for years
She showed them the way
Be honest, work hard
And you could earn a good days pay
He found his career while working with Harry
Building homes was a job his shoulders could carry
He built custom homes
With the greatest of care
The quality and workmanship
Was beyond compare
Most of my life I can remember
Somewhere towards the end of September
A thing called hunting fever
Being heavy in the air
First small game,
Then everything up to bear
There was no mistaking
The gun powder smells
Created by dad in the basement
Making shotgun shells
Few trophies were had
After hunting for years
Tall buck stories galore
Laughter and tears
Then, somewhere along the way
His true love came into his life
Some might say it's golf
The rest of us know it's Carolyn his wife
And as for the golf, as we all know
Dad would play here all year
If it weren't for the snow
Par, bogey, birdie
18, 27, 36
Who knew how much fun you can have
With a ball and some sticks?
Dad's love of golf is known to us all
If it's sunny and warm
Don't even bother to call
He's driving or chipping
Or putting somewhere
Whatever golf course, he doesn't care
He's had a sense of humor
Since the day he was born
Some find him funny
But I've heard him referred to
As the "King of Korn"
As for being a dad
It sure has been nice
To have you around
For your support and advice
Builder, hunter, golfer and comedian
All rolled into one
You are the greatest dad
Anyone could have under the sun!
Born in 1929
The year of the Great Depression
He made it through life
With the ultimate passion
Love life, work hard
Don't ever cheat on your golf card!
So today we gather to celebrate and cheer
The life of a man who heart was sincere!

Arrangements for Mr. Donahue are as follows: