It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of John F. "Johnny" Donahue, age 67, of Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Westerville Post Acute in Westerville, Ohio.

John Franklin Donahue, Jr. was born in Columbus, Ohio on January 12, 1959, to Mary Jane (Moore) and John Donahue of Columbus, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by parents, Mary and John Donahue, brother Michael Donahue, sisters Carolyn Ortman and Brenda Paas, aunt Helen (Jack) Mullins.  Survived by his girlfriend Carol Connell, sister Linda (Larry) Pyers, son-in-law Don Ortman, cousins Travis Donahue, Angela Pyers, Laura Mullins, Danny Ortman, Johnny Mullins, Janelle (Bill) Bentley-Mellinger, Nicole Bentley-Warner, Garrett (Sophia) Warner, uncles Eddie (Janet) Bentley, Larry (Norma) Bentley, longtime and close friends Jed (Vickie) Metzger, Lisa (John) Stebelton-Edmundson, and Sharon Stebelton.

John was a graduate and alumnus of Groveport Madsion High School from the class of 1978.  He attended class reunions when he could and enjoyed get-togethers with former classmates.

John was always one that enjoyed helping others, always toiling away at something and being useful.  If a family member or friend called and needed assistance, he would be quick to volunteer to help where he could to the best of his ability without question. Especially if there was a good cup of coffee and conversation that could be had after!

While growing up as a young man, John was very protective and was quick to help or stand-up for others who could not stand up for themselves, even when he struggled with standing up for himself. For many years he helped his long-time friend Jed Metzger with clients with mental and physical disabilities in cooking classes and outings in the community. He found much joy and satisfaction in being able to help others and be a participating member of society.

John took pride in having a well-groomed yard in his neighborhood and community. When the weather was good, he could be seen enjoying the sunshine, trimming and mowing his lawn, and taking care of the outside of his house and property that he and Carol lovingly shared.

John had family members who served in the military in many different branches. Therefore, he was a big supporter of the military and American Veterans. He held those who served in any military branch with high regard and believed in respecting those who had served their country honorably. Due to this he was a member of the American Legion Post 144 in Columbus, Ohio and was active in many of their functions throughout his life.

Additionally, he had a large amount of respect for those who protect and serve our communities on police forces and on fire departments. As a young man he was a member of the Alert Safety Group in Central Ohio. Later in life he enjoyed visiting the local fire department museum in Columbus, and many times wore t-shirts, hats, and jackets supporting local police and fire departments.

Family was important to John. Many of John's cousins, aunts, and uncles can recall that Johnny enjoyed spending time with them fishing and hunting as a young man. Many hours were spent on the banks of the Muskingum River with his family fishing, swimming, and sitting around the fire roasting a hot dog or two. He also enjoyed going to the skating rink on Saturday mornings watching over his younger cousins with family and getting into the fun with them. Later in life, he loved a good conversation, front porch sitting, and a homemade meal with family and friends "talking about the good 'old days" while drinking several cups of coffee until dark!

Though John might be out of our sight for now, he is in a place of peace, comfort, and love with past family members, and will forever be in his family and friends' hearts here on Earth until we can all be together again!

Johnny's wishes were fulfilled for him to be cremated, and his ashes will be given to his girlfriend Carol Connell.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026 12:00 Noon Evans Funeral Home 4171 E. Livingston Ave. where friends may call 1 hour prior to service.