KEOKUK - John "Jack" J. Donahue, 76, of Keokuk, passed away on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.
Jack was born on March 4, 1949, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Keokuk, the son of Edward and Alice (Branson) Donahue. He attended Keokuk High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam, being awarded the Quilt of Valor. He was employed as a bricklayer and finished his working career at Roquette. Jack was a community-minded individual, helping found and devoting himself to the West Hancock Titans Football Boosters, affectionately earning him the nickname of "Father Titan". He was also an active member of the Keokuk Yacht Club, where he was an avid 1st Mates Supporter and organized the Veteran's Day Dinner, the St. Patrick's Day Dinner, Liver and Onion Day and numerous clothing donation drives for Veterans. Jack also previously served as board president for Deer Run Golf Course and was an early member of the Cardinal Foundation. Jack's active social life included dreaming up the Bank Street Boys and the Four Guys Cab Company and attending Wine Bar Wednesdays with his best friends.
Jack is survived by four children: Tara (John) Houston of Las Vegas, Nevada, Tori (Marcus) Fenton of Keokuk, John Donahue of Keokuk, and Joe (Bailey) Donahue of Hamilton, Illinois, nine grandchildren: Gage (Nikki) Fenton, Tyce (Jaslynn) Fenton, Bryce and Sienna Houston, Jacob Donahue, Maddie Donahue, and Conor, Rhys and Olive Donahue; four great-grandchildren: Harper and Chase Fenton and Jackson and David Donahue; his brother Tom (Kathy) Donahue of Keokuk; his sister Mary Jo Hendrickson of Keokuk; and "his girl" Robin Briscoe of Keokuk.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Jordan Houston.
A private family burial will be held at Keokuk National Cemetery.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to a local veteran's organization of your choosing or the Keokuk Yacht Club.
Tributes and condolences may be left at
www.printyfuneralhome.com.Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
Published by Daily Gate from Nov. 11 to Nov. 12, 2025.