February 13, 1945 — February 8, 2026
Shawnee
Owen Francis Michael Donohoe, age 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, surrounded by his family in his final days.
Owen was born in O’Neill, Nebraska, on February 13, 1945, to Clarence and Lois (Sullivan) Donohoe.
He was raised on the family farm north of O’Neill with his parents, four brothers, and five sisters. When Owen was 10 years old, his father passed away, leaving his steadfast and faithful mother to raise all 10 children. He graduated from his beloved St. Mary’s Catholic High School in 1963. But even before that milestone, his life had already taken its most important turn. In May of 1962, Owen and Charlene Larson went on a blind date, which led to a lifelong commitment resulting in five children, 16 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren — a blessing best symbolized by the 33 Irish stockings that hang from the fireplace mantle at Christmas. Owen and Charlene were married on July 23, 1966, in Burke, South Dakota. They spent their first few years of marriage in Wayne, Nebraska, while Owen attended Wayne State College. After graduating from Wayne State, they settled in Fremont, Nebraska, where Owen sold life insurance. That began his career as a salesman, which led him to Sioux City, Iowa, where he started in medical sales. From there, various promotions took him and the family to Minnesota, Michigan and New Jersey with the last stop in Brandon, South Dakota, where they lived for nine years. In 1989, Owen and the family moved to Shawnee, Kansas, where he started his own business, Donohoe & Associates, in the medical device field. Owen was still active in running the business up until his passing.
In 2006, Owen was asked by members of his community to run for the Kansas State Legislature, where he served six terms. During his time in the House, he was a strong proponent for limited government, individual liberties, and a champion of the pro-life movement.
Owen lived a life defined by bold strength, deep faith, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to those he loved. A devout Catholic, Owen lived his life with the clear purpose: to get to heaven and ensure the people he loved got there too. A devoted husband, a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, but more than any title, he was a provider in the truest sense of the word. Married to Charlene just shy of 60 years, they built a life rooted in commitment, faith, and showing up for one another. His devotion to family was highlighted by the yearly family vacation. As the family grew and spread across the country, it became very important to him to bring them together for a week every summer, where many lasting memories were made and cherished by all. Owen’s only stipulation was that the destination should have a golf course nearby, thereby ensuring his son and sons-in-law receive free and often times unsolicited lessons.
All who knew Owen will remember him for his quick Irish wit with a “tad bit” of sharp sarcasm blended in. Any time the family went to a restaurant, they felt the need to issue a disclaimer to the unsuspecting server for the ribbing that was about to ensue, but, like always, without exception, Owen and the server became fast friends. Owen was an avid reader, possessing a deep knowledge of historical facts. He was the most sought-after partner for the family Trivial Pursuit games — less so for Pictionary.
Owen had a great love of sports, especially Nebraska football. He was a stand-out high school athlete. While lettering in football, basketball was his true passion. He held the record for most points scored in a game until his nephew, Tony Shaw, broke it 20 years later. Owen greatly enjoyed acting as a coach to his family for over three generations. It started with his five small children and their neighborhood friends playing Sunday afternoon sports in their backyard and continued through countless hours and opportunities mentoring and encouraging grandchildren and great-grandchildren from the bleachers and his living room recliner. His ability to encourage his great-grandchildren after every game from one cell phone to another ensured that distance never stood in the way of his words of wisdom.
Owen also enjoyed the musical abilities of his granddaughters. When they came to visit, they performed impromptu piano and violin recitals for him and Charlene. He also enjoyed discussions with his grandsons about science, space, and superheroes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lois; his father- and mother-in-law, Robert and Charlotte Larson; brother, Tom; sisters, Ellen and Anne; sister-in-law, Carolyn Larson; nephew, Tony Shaw; infant grandchildren, Seth Donohoe and Baby Espinoza.
Owen is survived by his wife, Charlene; his five children: Carri (Lorenzo) Person of Shawnee, Kansas, Monica (Brent) Strasser of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jodi (Patrick) Espinoza of Southern Missouri, Chris (Jana) Donohoe of Littleton, Colorado, Shannon (ZeHua) Shang of Shawnee, Kansas; his 16 grandchildren: Parrish, Tashayla, and Xzavier Person; Arianna (Emmanuel) Smith; Emily Strasser; Rose, Catherine, Michael, Clare, and Gabriella Espinoza; Scarlet, Genevieve, and Grant Donohoe; Jade, Keanni, and Ailana Shang; Four great-grandchildren: Owen (Tashayla), Ezekiel, Felicity, and Zachariah (Arianna); his siblings: Kathleen (Steve) Rosenberg, Neil (Karen) Donohoe, Bill (Sandy) Donohoe, Mary (Dan) Straka, Pat Donohoe, and Jeanne (Joe) Hauser; his brothers-in-law, Jim Larson, Dean (Betty) Larson, Curt (Bonnie) Larson, and Mike Larson as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and dedicated employees and family friends, Krista Wheeler and Debbie Truax.
A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, Kansas, followed by a visitation from 7:15 to 9:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee, Kansas. Owen will be laid to rest at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas.
Memorial contributions can be made to Kansans for Life or Homes for Troops.
Obituary published by Amos Family Funeral Home.
