Bill M. Donahue

Born November 12, 1950 – Passed September 9, 2025

Bill M. Donahue, 74, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2025. Born in Sioux City, Iowa, on November 12, 1950, Bill lived a life marked by service, dedication, and quiet strength.

In 1969, Bill began his service with the United States Army, completing boot camp before being stationed at Fort Devens. As a member of the Army Security Agency, he worked in top-secret coding and decoding of electronic transmissions, serving with honor until his discharge in October 1974 at the rank of E-4. Soon after, he continued his service in the Iowa Air National Guard, where he advanced to Technical Sergeant.

After his military career, Bill earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Ottawa University and went on to dedicate more than three decades as a Data Processing Analyst. Though his career was cut short in 2008 due to health challenges related to Agent Orange exposure, he remained proud of his professional accomplishments and the skills he shared throughout his career.

Bill’s faith was an anchor throughout his life. Baptized at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sioux City, he was a longtime and faithful member of St. Mark’s Parish in Independence.

Beyond work and service, Bill found joy in life’s simple passions. He was an avid chess player, enjoying spirited matches with a close friend in Minnesota, and gave generously to others as a committed blood donor, reaching the milestone of 10 gallons donated before illness prevented him from continuing.

Bill will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 53 years, Jean Donahue; their daughter, Stephanie Verner (Jason) of Bowie, Texas; and his grandchildren, Wesley Donahue of Decatur, TX, Adrian Martin (Kris), and Dawson Verner, both of Bowie, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents, Danny and Hugh Donahue; his siblings, Patricia O’Connor, Hugh Gary (Evelyn), and Marrianna Williams (Kenneth).

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Johnson County Memorial Gardens in Overland Park, Kansas, beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Bill’s family takes comfort in knowing he is now at peace, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved him. In addition to flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Veterans Community Project in Bill's Memory.