Lawrence Albert "Ab" Donahue

1932 - 2022

"The Man Upstairs" quietly called "Ab", 89, to his Heavenly home...

He was the husband of the late Imogene Helton Donahue (2018), both formerly of Roanoke.

Born on December 1, 1932, to S. Matthew and Annie C. Donahue, Ab was the youngest (Crumb-Snatcher) of their eight children, all of whom have preceded him in death.

Raised in the Roanoke Valley, Ab attended Andrew Lewis High School, when prior to Graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his Country during the Korean War. After his tour of duty, he returned to the States moving to Inglewood, California where his parents were living at the time, completing his GED.

Soon after, Ab's High School sweetheart, Imogene arrived, they were wed on April 1, 1955. Their love of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's surrounding beauty and the desire to raise a family back "home" prompted Ab and Jean to return to Roanoke establishing their home and family, raising two sons, Mike and Pat. Ab joined and was actively involved with the local Air Force Reserve Unit at Woodrum Air Field. A natural born salesman, Ab began a successful career as a Sales Representative for the Charles Bruning Company where he sold architectural and engineering equipment and drafting supplies, establishing a loyal customer base within several States. Ab quickly gained recognition and attained membership in the Company's 100 Club. However, life was temporarily interrupted when Ab was recalled to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis, relocating the family to Washington, D.C. At it's conclusion, they once again returned to Roanoke where he continued serving in the Reserve Unit until it disbanded. Never skipping a beat, Ab resumed his sales position with Charles Bruning. In 1968 he achieved national recognition as the 2nd ranked Salesman in the Country! In 1970, opportunity knocked and with much thought and consideration, Ab relocated his family to Lynchburg where he opened Commonwealth Reprographics, Inc. (CRI) located on Church Street.

CRI, as a "quick-copy" shop, provided and fulfilled the printing needs of local patrons and businesses in addition to producing Blueprints, serving the growing industry of Lynchburg's Architectural and Engineering professionals. In 1972, opportunity knocked again when Ab bought and merged CRI with Mutual Press located on Ninth Street. From this merger, CRI-Mutual Press continued operations as a Commercial Printing Company while still producing A/E Reproductions & Blueprints (Central Virginia's largest Blueprinter) for it's many customers for years to come.

Ab was a proud, supportive father to his sons' various interests, athletic and sporting events, attending the many Scouting activities, Football/Baseball games and Water Skiing Tournaments. In the early 1970's he and Jean (family) became affiliated with Leesville Lake and the Tri-County Ski Club becoming actively involved in it's membership and operations. He developed a love for and spent summer's at Leesville Lake enjoying it's peaceful splendor and beauty. For many years, Ab hosted Wednesday's "Steak Night" at the lake, a tradition never missed by the "Three Amigos", Ab, Jim and Lefty. May they Rest in Peace -

Retiring in 1995, Ab and Jean enjoyed many adventure's RVing the lower 48 States and into Canada, eventually becoming official "Snowbirds" in the Sunshine State where many friendships and memories were made. They never looked backed! In later years, Ab took up the "Joy of Biking" traveling many miles per year enjoying the picturesque landscapes, trails and roadways. He valued many friendships over the years - Music accompanied by The Kingston Trio; laughter echoing, lies and stories shared; with his favorite drink in hand. These were truly cherished times and memories to Ab. Additionally, Ab was a loyal member and supporter of the NRA, Elks, Moose and American Legion.

He is survived by his sons, Mike (Vickie) of Piney Flats, Tenn., and Pat (Amy) of Forest, Va.; his grandchildren, Kelsie (James) Yates of Va. Beach, Va., and their children, Brady and Brooke; Kevin (Betsy) Donahue and Leslie Donahue, all of San Antonio, Texas, and Erik Donahue of Forest, Va. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Helen and Emma Donahue, both of Roanoke.

An informal gathering will be held in the Spring of 2023, at Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem, Va.