Joseph Earl Donaway Sr., 72, of Kansas City, Kan., passed away Jan.16, 2019, surrounded by his family. A celebration of life will be 1-4 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019, at the Amos Family Funeral Home. 1901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kan., 66203.
Joseph was born in Bettendorf, Iowa, on Dec. 28, 1946, to Earl and Helen Donaway. Joseph was raised in Houston, MO.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughter, Heather and Ted King; son, Joe Donaway and Chelsey; granddaughter, Lilly King; and siblings, Fred, Ann, Liz and Earl.
Joseph was the owner of Total Concept Pest Control in Mission, Kan. He enjoyed gardening and growing food for those in need. He was the definition of a green thumb, able to grow anything. In his prime, he worked five gardens concurrently. He also enjoyed canoeing and camping.
Joseph was a graduate of the Houston High School class of 1964 and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture and entomology.
He was a skilled wood worker and built beautiful pieces ranging from jewelry boxes to garden sheds.
He loved to travel and visited every state in the continental U.S. He collected rocks as souvenirs from every place he went and stacked Cairns every place he went. He always took the road less traveled and loved the scenic route.
Joseph was an honorable family man and never met a stranger. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Kansas City Community Gardens, 6917 Kensington Ave., Kansas City, Mo.,
64132 or Cross Points Ministries, 3006 S, 34th Street, Kansas City, Kan. 66106
.
Vernon Kearns
Dear Debbie, Heather, & Joe & familiy, & friends,
We are saddened to read of Joe's passing so soon after his birthday & the holidays. We send you our Sincerest Sympathy, & Thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for giving Joe his life, his lovely family which he loved so much, & for the friends who made his life whole, including his Houston High School classmates. May the Lord watch over you & bring you peace at this difficult time. Barbara & I send you our Best love, Vernon Kearns, Hanover, PA, HHS Class of 1964
Robert Leon Jones
To all the family of Joe. I am very saddened to hear of your loss of Joe and I know it was a huge loss. In school, I never got to know Joe all that well but I always knew the he was " One of the Good Guys". Over the years, it does sound as though that ever changed. My thoughts and prayers go to all of you.
Harry Kiefer
Very sorry to hear about Joe's passing. We had little contact after HHS but did see one another once in a while at MU. I think we always shared a sense of humor and Joe had a strong "bullshit" detector! Nothing wrong with traveling a different road! That will be my best memory. RIP
Jim Thompson
My sinceriest condolences to the family of Joe. I remember his keen sense of humor. Rest in peace, Joseph.
Cathy Tackett (Madden)
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Joe.I remember him as a funny, quick witted guy, who was alot of of fun.
Christi Jenkins (Garrett)
So sorry to hear about Joe. He was such a funny guy and I loved his dry sense of humor. Joe was so well liked and I feel like we lost a member of our class of '64 family. Christi (Jenkins) Garrett
Kay Skouby (Sims)
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF OUR CLASSMATE JOE DONAWAY. HIS SENSE OF HUMOR WOULD ALWAYS PUT A SMILE ON ONE'S FACE. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS OF COMFORT FOR JOE'S FAMILY.
Kenneth Branson
So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing away. He will be mightly missed and I pray for God’s peace on his family. Joe was a pleasure to be around in dear old HHS. Ken Branson
Larry Holder
Sometimes losing a classmate is more impactful than just losing a friend. There is a special connection classmates share that others do not. Joe was a good person, husband, father, and a loyal friend to many. He will be missed by us all. Joe, our prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace, my friend, until we meet again.