Leon Donohue Obituary

Leon Donohue

Redding, CA

On March 25, 1939, Leon Donohue was born in Star City, AR. Surrounded by his family, he passed away on August 11, 2016, in Redding, CA after a seven-year battle with leukemia lymphoma.

When Leon was a toddler, his parents, Jess and Rosie Donohue, moved the family to San Jose, where he spent his growing-up years. At James Lick High School he met Judy Metcalf, and they were married while Leon was earning a bachelor's degree at San Jose State.

This is where scouts discovered Leon's athletic skills, and he was recruited to play on the offensive line for the San Francisco Forty-niners and the Dallas Cowboys. After the pro football career, Leon moved his family to Redding. For nearly a quarter of a century he filled a variety of positions at Shasta College, most notably that of head football coach. Leon influenced many of the younger generation during his years of coaching and teaching.

Throughout Leon's professional life, he and Judy considered family and travel two of their major interests. They enjoyed family vacations in Mexico and Hawaii. After retirement, Leon constructed a cabin on the shore of Lake Almanor which provided a popular venue for family gatherings.

Leon was the patriarch of his family. Surviving, and missing him, are his wife Judy; daughters Kerry (Kent Jessen,) Linda (Greg Burmester) and Janet (Alan Demsher;) grandchildren: Daniel, Kerra and Lindsay Jessen; Adam Shigem, Trevor and Cory Burmester; Ellison and Callie Demsher; great-granddaughter Caldonia Meehan; brothers Jesse and Alton Donohue; many nieces and nephews. Preceding Leon in death are his parents, and siblings: Thomas and James Donohue, Sybil Snyder, Fern Beccue, Inez Winegarner, and Barbara Warwick. Grandson David Jessen and great grandson Coy Jessen.

A memorial service honoring Leon will be held Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Shasta College Theatre, with lunch provided after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations in Leon's honor be sent to the Good News Rescue Mission at 2842 S Market Street, Redding, CA 96001; or Haven Humane Society at P.O. Box 992202, Redding, CA 96099.

Please sign the guestbook at http://obits.redding.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Redding Record Searchlight on Aug. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Leon Donohue

Sponsored by Greg Warwick, OT&DT #73 '76 & '77 on behalf of all of Coach Donohue's players, coaches and friends..

12 Entries

Gary Powers

August 8, 2023

I look back on my days at Shasta College and my association and daily interaction with Leon and all the wonderful people there and feel so grateful to have had those interactions and cherish those moments so much! I was blessed to have those opportunities! RIP my friend!

Tom Maciel

December 11, 2020

Leon was one of my early heros. While he played for the Niners & then Dallas, he worked in our family’s “Hyde Park” liquor store (First St. San Jose), during the off-season. Leon was such a great guy with a big ol’ laugh! Always telling me & my cousins stories of his playing time. He hot us tickets to all his games. He motivated me to go on from Pop Warner & play in high school & then college. Won’t ever forget Leon. RIP buddy!♥

January 5, 2020

so many amazing memories back in those championship days of wrestling at Shasta College. Leon was one of a kind, and with that hearty laughter and those strong shoulders that he would congratulate you with, you would never find a better friend. We miss Leon!!!

Paul Laine

January 28, 2018

Just a note to say to my old coach, we really miss him and to say he was Such an inspiration to the wrestling team at Shasta College. He led our team to the State championships in the late 70s, and have so many great memories with him.
I know he is missed by many, and will be in our hearts always. Godspeed Leon!

Paul Laine
Jupiter Fl

Susan Staley

September 11, 2016

Dear Aunt Judy & Cousins, What to say at times like these, words are difficult to come by.
I will always remember Uncle Leon's smile when he looked at all us kids. He had the most wonderful twinkle in his eyes, and we knew he loved being around all of us. I am so happy that I was able to see you both along with Kerry 3 yrs ago when Mom passed away. It's never easy but we keep going... somehow.
Uncle Leon, I will miss you but I know where you are is a good place. Your parents and sisters are going to take very good care of you until the rest of us join you all. Hug them all for me, please.
I love you Aunt Judy, Cousins and Uncle Leon, hugs n kisses, Your niece, Susan

Trudi Pratt

September 8, 2016

Hi Judy and girls,
We're all thinking kind thoughts at this time and sending you peace in the passing of Leon.
We were lucky to have years of outstanding, funny and heartfelt memories with that GREAT man.

Trudi, Torri and Rayola

Gary Powers

September 7, 2016

Judy, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family through these times! My short time at Shasta College with Leon, you and the wonderful staff are some of my most memorable and fondest times! Coach was one of the kindest, warmest and most knowledgable and caring men I've had the pleasure and honor to have been associated with throughout my career. I truly cherish my time there and the friendship I so fortunately had with Leon, you and those around you. May God bless! Rest in peace Meat!

Steve Wescott

September 1, 2016

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Donohue's passing and offer my condolences to his family and loved ones. I was very familiar with Leon at Shasta College when he coached and I was sports editor for the college newspaper, "The Lance" in the mid 1970s. I always found him very approachable and respectable. One of my highlights at Shasta College was doing a feature story on him.

Kenneth & Doris Roe

August 31, 2016

We both liked and respected Leon. He brought a refreshing dimension to Shasta College and the athletic program. May he rest in peace.

The Golenor Family

August 31, 2016

Old coaches never die; they defer to the 2nd half.

Craig Thompson

August 29, 2016

Judy, and family; my deepest condolences to you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Coach you will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Thanks for everything you taught me, and for paving the way for so many young men to follow. You were an extraordinaire man who had a never ending influence on everyone who were blessed to be to have you as a teacher, coach, friend and father. Rest in peace my mentor, and friend. I love you and will be forever grateful for everything you did for me.

L Collins

August 29, 2016

By the way, I took your advice about my son.... Rest peacefully, old friend.

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