Joseph Alton Donahue

Othe Kenneth (OK) Donahue and Lucile Parry Donahue gave birth to Joseph Alton Donahue , born June 13th, 1917, in Butte Montana. Joseph was the older of their two children. His sister Ruth Zito preceded him death as did his parents and most of his friends. This was symbolic of the long and distinguished life he enjoyed. He is survived by his wife Fern of 73 years . During their marriage they had five children, David and ( his wife Elaine), Diane Morton and (her husband Robert), Miles and( his wife Mindi Donahue), and Jill Shirley and (her husband Bacil). The youngest of their children Parry returned to his heavenly father in 1988. Joe and Fern are blessed with 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren. Joe was affectionately referred to as Grandpa Grape(Great) by his many grandchildren who loved to hear his stories and reveled in his sense of humor. Raised in Ogden Utah, he attended Weber State University. While there he managed many sports teams and was editor of the college year book which would be instrumental in the career path he followed. While finishing his education he was offered a position as photographer for a paper in Twin Falls Idaho. While living in Twin falls Fern gave birth to David and later Diane and Joe was called to serve his country in the Army Air Corps after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Ultimately he would serve his time stationed in Hawaii and returned home to his wife at the conclusion of World War II. Career opportunities led him to relocate his family to Yakima Wash in 1947 working for the Yakima Herald in the photo engraving department. When the paper decided to contract out their engraving he purchased the equipment and founded Donahue Photo Engraving. As his business continued to prosper he built his own building located at 5 East F Street. He operated his business at this location until his retirement in 1987. In addition to operating the business he trained Fern, sons David, Miles, and daughter Jill, and son and daughter in law Robert and Elaine in the printing business. All of whom enjoyed successful careers in the printing field.

Joe was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was at a school dance that he met the love of his life. He served his savior in many callings. His last calling was Stake Financial Clerk serving with two stake presidents Robert Hague and Brent Clements for several years. In addition to serving in his church Joe was an avid supporter of his community.

He loved sports and was instrumental in the development of many community programs. Joe was the sole surviving charter member of the original Monday Morning Quarterbacks, an organization serving the young athletes of the Yakima Valley. He was responsible for the development of the Grid Kids’ football program in Yakima. He served as member of the board of directors for the Yakima Meadows horse racing facility. In later years he and his lifelong friend Oscar Soderstrom, served as ambassadors for Yakima Valley Community College, hosting hospitality rooms at both YVCC and the sun dome during major sporting events. A plaque honoring him and his friend hangs in the hall of YVCC’s gymnasium. In addition to supporting his community sports programs Joe was an avid bowler, enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed annual trips with his family to Westport Wash, to enjoy Salmon fishing, clamming, and beach combing. Many people knew him as Slow Pitch Joe and jokingly refer to his wife as” Slow Poke Fern”. This is a result of his many years as the pitcher for the Monday Morning Quarterbacks slow pitch softball team. A position he played into his 70’s when health forced him to reluctantly retire from the game. This was indicative of his dedication and determination in all that he did.

Joe will be missed by all who knew and came in contact with him. His most enduring attribute was his sense of humor. His quick witted remarks and wry sense of humor endeared him to family and friends alike. This is best exemplified by one of his last moments, when Joe was looking out the window of his home upon the view he so cherished and his son David remarked “that he might have to get up and help him shovel the snow”. This brought a twinkle to his eye and a smile to his face as he and Fern continued to look out and enjoy his valley view.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a contribution to the Parker Youth and Sports Foundation’s “Joe Donahue Scholarship Fund” which is awarded annually to a deserving student attending YVCC. Contributions may be sent to the Parker Youth Foundation P.O. Box 1311 Yakima WA 98907.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Keith and Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel in Yakima. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Yakima 2nd Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4307 Englewood Ave. Concluding services and burial will follow in Terrace Heights Memorial Park.