John Durant Donahoo, age 88, of Huntsville, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023.
John and his siblings were born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the USAF and began a long and distinguished career. In 1960, he met and married the love of his life, Betty Jane Price, and for the next 60 years, they were rarely apart. They shared two children, John Michael and Elizabeth.
John received a degree in mathematics from Colorado State University. He then attended OCS and received his commission allowing him to achieve his lifelong goal of being an Air Force officer. He served faithfully for 20 years, and his career took the family all over the country. He retired in 1975 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After retirement, they moved to Huntsville, and he began a second career with Teledyne Brown Engineering.
John was devoted to his family and loved doting on his grandchildren. He was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed historical fiction. His hobbies over the years included model building, running, tennis and handball. He also enjoyed playing bridge.
John was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife, Betty. He is survived by his son, John Michael Donahoo (Nancy) of Huntsville; daughter, Elizabeth Briggs (Dow) of Birmingham; as well as his grandchildren, Dick Dowling Briggs IV, Matthew Durant Briggs, and Caroline Davis Briggs.
A memorial service honoring both John and Betty will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntsville on November 19 at 2 p.m. A visitation will be held at 1 p.m.
The family is grateful for the staff at Redstone Village and for the loving care he received from the wonderful people at AMT Medical Staffing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of John be made to AMT Medical Staffing (2 20th Street N suite 1360, Birmingham, AL 35203), or Hospice Family Care (10000 Serenity Lane, Huntsville, AL, 35803).
