Donald "Donnie" Roots

In Loving Memory of Donald "Donnie" Roots
Sunrise: May 23, 1984 – Sunset: June 3, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Donald Eugene Roots, also affectionately known as "Turk." Donnie departed this life leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and unforgettable memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Born on May 23, 1984, at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, D.C., Donnie was the cherished son of Lora Roots and Donald Brown. He was later blessed with his step mother, La Shawn, who loved and supported him dearly.
From a young age, Donnie displayed natural charisma-he was a calm soul with a quiet demeanor yet always left an impression with his affectionate smile and kind heart. He was the type of person who would look out for those around him, often showing up for others whenever they needed it. If you were in his circle, you had someone solid in your corner.
Donnie's personality was a perfect reflection of his Gemini spirit- chill and witty. He could calm a storm or check someone quickly and in the smoothest way possible. Those close to him also knew he was an unrelentless joaner and had no cut cards. He loved sports passionately and played with talent and dedication. Donnie was a standout athlete, playing football for the legendary Marshall Heights Pop Warner team and baseball at Ridge Road Rec Center. His passion for the game carried into adulthood as a proud San Francisco 49ers fan.
He began his educational journey at Anne Beers Elementary School, attended Sousa Middle School, and spent time at Anacostia High School before graduating from Eastern Senior High School. His professional path led him to work in construction as an apprentice electrician with Local Union 601.
His favorite color was red, and his outfits were never complete without his trademark hat. In his quiet time, he loved to watch documentaries and would know the most random but legit facts about history and civil wars.
Donnie was a man of the people- known and loved by many. He shared an unbreakable bond with his cousins Kevin "Hot dog" Kenny "Stretch", Keith "SloMo", and many others from Fairfax Village who shared countless childhood memories with him. These bonds ran deep and were often the source of his best stories and loudest laughs. Above all, Donnie was a proud and loving father to his sons, Duke and Duncan Roots, whom he adored with all his heart. His firstborn, Duke was named in honor of his late friend Luke, whose memory Donnie carried close to his heart.
Donnie leaves behind a loving village:mother Lora Roots, father Donald Brown (La Shawn Brown), his grandparents, James and Mary Brown, brothers Lyndon "Paul" Harris (Tiana Harris) and Donald Brown II, his beloved sons Duke and Duncan Roots, nieces (Rylee and Marlee) and nephew (Arlo), many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends who became family over the years.
His presence was a gift to us all-his laughter, his warmth, and his ability to make everyone feel like family. May Donnie's soul find eternal serenity, and may his spirit soar freely in peace. Farewell, Donnie-you are deeply loved and will forever be missed.