Thomas Donahy

Thomas James Donahy, age 78, most recently from Waterville, Kansas (formerly from Blaine, Kansas and Tulsa, Oklahoma), died April 22, 2022, at Blue Rapids Senior Living in Blue Rapids, Kansas.

Tom was born November 8, 1943, in Wamego, KS, the son of James and Elizabeth (Kilduff) Donahy.

Tom grew up on a farm north of Blaine. His father was a farmer; he became a farmer. The farm has the distinction of being the first Homestead in the State of Kansas, claimed by his great grandfather, Daniel James Donahy, in 1863. In his later years, Tom became an expert in the maintenance and repair of vintage John Deere tractors. The biennial “Gathering of the Green” convention in Davenport, Iowa identified him as a national expert on antique John Deere tractors. He was frequently a featured speaker at their convention, a published author in their magazine, and shared his expertise with people from around the world.

Tom graduated from Marysville High School in 1962. He attended Kansas State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in American History. He loved teaching, as did his mother. He taught History classes at both the high school and college level, specializing in The Civil War. In addition to farming (at one point, over 1000 acres) he did extensive auto mechanics work and taught automotive classes. During his time in Tulsa, Oklahoma he was very involved in the community and taught dance classes and Biblical classes, specializing in The Parables. He later settled in Waterville, KS where he enjoyed frequently contributing columns to the Marysville Advocate.

He is survived by his daughter, Amy (Marc) Passalacqua of Sammamish, Washington; sister Dr. Jane Adams of Topeka, Kansas; grandchildren, Sam and Drew Passalacqua of Sammamish, Washington; niece Sarah Adams of Topeka, Kansas; nephews, James Adams of Topeka, KS and Blaine Razor of Denver, Colorado; and his devoted caregiver and friend, April Ward.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Elizabeth (Kilduff) Donahy, his sister Kathleen Razor of Denver, Colorado, and a baby daughter who died at birth.

Tom was grateful for the care that he received from the staff members at Blue Valley Senior Living, Meadowlark Hospice and AgeWise.

Throughout his life, Tom faced challenges with both his physical and mental health. His family is proud of all that he accomplished while enduring these struggles.  He graduated from K-State twice and became a respected historian who had traveled to all of the battle fields of the Civil War. He was a gifted teacher like his mother and a farmer like his father. He honored the Donahy tradition of caring for the land. He became proficient in the care and maintenance of farm equipment, repairing what breaks down (tractors, trucks, and automobiles essential to travel in rural Kansas.) He then taught other people to do so.  He loved his daughter, Amy, and his grandchildren. He was proud to be a Donahy, proud of his Irish heritage, and proud to be a Democrat.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 6 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego with inurnment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery (also known as Irish Creek Cemetery) in Lillis, KS.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Meadowlark Hospice of Clay Center, KS and may be left in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Rd, PO Box 48, Wamego, Kansas 66547.