Kenneth Ray Donahue

Kenneth Ray (“Ken”) Donahue, 76, a long-time resident of Brandon, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Fleming Island, Florida on September 26, 2023.  

Ken was born on October 29, 1946, in Maysville, Kentucky to Robert and Lula Donahue of Flemingsburg, Kentucky. He married his life’s true love, Patricia Ann (Pat) McEuen, daughter of Charles and Josephine McEuen of Maysville, on December 23, 1967.  

A man who valued service and community, Ken received his Eagle Scout award as a young man and served in the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy before graduating from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He began his professional career at Browning Manufacturing (later Emerson Electric) in Maysville through 1986.  

Ken was active in the Maysville Lions Club, volunteering for projects and serving in numerous roles including Governor of District 43T. He was inducted into the to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Maysville Country Club.  

Ken later worked for Tampa Electric Company (TECO) of Tampa, Florida before launching his own consulting firm. He volunteered with the Lions Club in Brandon, Florida, and the Buckingham neighborhood homeowner’s association, served in governance roles for various organizations including the Supervisory Committee and Board of Directors for Grow Financial Credit Union, and was a member of Brandon’s St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church.  

Ken was beloved by family and friends for his warm laugh and kind spirit. A loving father and grandfather, he delighted in spending time with his family and celebrating their pursuits and achievements. Ken enjoyed outings with and the camaraderie of the Tampa Bay Vettes Club. Even as his memory faded from Alzheimer’s, he greeted friends and strangers alike with a warm smile and caring words.  

Ken is survived by his wife, Pat, their two sons: Kevin Charles Donahue (wife Merrin McCallum Donahue) of Naples, Florida, and Brian Robert Donahue (wife Courtney Ozark Donahue) of Fleming Island, Florida; Four grandchildren who called him “Poppee”: Kailey, Mason, Jack, and Cambelle.  

Ken is also survived by his brother, Ronnie Donahue, and sisters Jean Dillon and Joan Gray-Rigdon, of Fleming County, Kentucky, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lula Donahue, and his brothers, Harold and Charles Rolph.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 A.M. Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the Elizaville Cemetery Chapel in Fleming County with Dr. Mike Rice officiating. Military rites will be conducted, and burial will follow. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 2 P.M. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Brandon, FL.  In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes notes of remembrance or tributes to Lion’s Club International or the Alzheimer’s Association.  Condolences to www.palmerfuneralhome.net 

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