Obituary of Karl Frank Donehoo

Karl Frank Donehoo, 82, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2013 at his home in Fairfax, VA after a long illness with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on August 11, 1931, in Atlanta, GA, to the late Elijah and Elsie Wright Donehoo. Karl enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War and worked as a Corpsman. He met Mary Jane Facchina while stationed in Norfolk, VA and they married on May 31, 1952 in Washington, DC. Karl and Mary Jane were blessed with 10 children, 11 grandchildren and one great grandson during their 61 year marriage. After his service in the United States Navy, Karl was a member of the District of Columbia National Guard. He volunteered as a firefighter at the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department, Station 3 and eventually became a professional firefighter with the Arlington County Fire Department. Karl’s ancestor, John Donehoo, was from Tipperary of County Cashel Ireland and immigrated to the United States in the 1730s. Karl grew up in Atlanta, GA and graduated from Tech High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Corpsman during the Korean War. He served on two naval ships, USS Iowa (BB-61) and USS Macon (CA-132). While in the Navy, Karl was a boxer and a runner who competed in track events. After his discharge from the Navy, Karl worked as a Firefighter for Arlington County, VA for 13 years. He worked at Ballston Station #2 and Clarendon Station #4. While working as a firefighter for Arlington County he responded to one of the biggest fires in the history of the Arlington County Fire Department which erupted deep in the basement of The Pentagon on July 2, 1959. Karl was one of the first firefighters hired by the Gwinnett County, (GA) Fire Department in 1971. He was a fan of local sports teams, the Washington Redskins and the Washington Nationals. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races and was a fan of driver Jeff Gordon #24. He enjoyed traveling overseas and visited Ireland with Mary Jane in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Karl was an active member of the Anglican Church of the Apostles. He enjoyed listening to the praise music during services and attended many of the “Children of the Light” performances presented by the youth of the church. Both he and Mary Jane volunteered their time helping to feed the homeless in the local Fairfax area. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jane Donehoo (nee Facchina) and was father to ten children; six sons and four daughters. He is survived by sons, Dennis Donehoo and wife Karen of Alexandria, VA; Kevin Donehoo of Las Vegas, NV; Timothy Donehoo of New York City, NY; Patrick Donehoo and wife Annette of Branson MO; Brian Donehoo and wife Betsy of Grand Canyon, AZ, and Daniel Donehoo of Alexandria, VA. Three living daughters Kathleen Yowell of Fairfax, VA, Judy Tarner and husband Ken of Clinton, TN and Kara Phelps and husband Tim of Annandale, VA. He was predeceased by his late daughter Lynne Donehoo Cooney Erickson. In addition, he leaves four grandsons, Erik and Jesse Yowell, Jeffrey Tarner, and Jesse Cooney and seven granddaughter’s Jenny Cooney, Caitlin and Emma Tarner; Meaghan, Mattie, Kylie and Amanda Donehoo; and one great grandson Evan. He is survived by brother Fred Donehoo of Lake Placid, FL, and sisters Mary Kathryn Rapp of Garland, TX and Frances Brannon of Midlothian, TX; sister-in-law Dolores Facchina of Herndon, VA and brother-in-law Charles Facchina of Beaverdam, VA, along with numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call at Advent Funeral Services 7211 Lee Hwy. Falls Church, VA. on Friday, September 27, 2013 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Truro Church, 10520 Main St.., Fairfax, VA. Interment National Memorial Park. Memorials may be made in Karl’s name to Alzheimer’s Family Day Center, www.alzheimersfdc.org or the Anglican Church of the Apostle Building Fund. http://donations.rdsconnect.net/ChurchDonation/Contributor.aspx?id=3