Rodger Jerome Donahue, 73

Rodger Jerome Donahue, 73, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the Waters of Huntingburg.

Rodger was born on August 27, 1941 in Columbus, Ohio. He was the son of Eugene Alan and Lillian (Bledsoe) Donahue also of Birdseye who predecease him.

Rodger enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17 after graduating from high school. He served in the Far East and Vietnam. After four years in the Marines he worked for the United States Post Office in Leisure World and with the support of his children’s mother, Jeanne Donahue he graduated from Chapman College with a major in Psychology. After a few years working probation he worked until retirement for the California State Department of Corrections as a Parole Officer.

Rodger was also known as Bookman806. Rodger read a book a day and owned a book store on 4th Street in Huntingburg. His next favorite activity was walking the dog and passing the time of day with everyone who crossed their path. He was a member of Salem United Church of Christ in Huntingburg.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Allan Donahue and half-sister, Sharon.

He is survived by two brothers, Sean Patrick (Terry) Donahue of Paso Robles, Cali.; Timothy (Yvonne) Donahue of Stockton, Cali.; Sister, Maureen (Robert) Foster of Jacksonville, Ala.;

Rodger leaves one son, James (Marlon) Donahue; three grandchildren, Luz-Mariel Donahue, Rachel Donahue and Ian Donahue of Bakersfield, Cali. He is also survived by one daughter, Colleen (Greg) Alvarez; grandsons, Joshua Quinn and Dillon Alvarez of Shafter, Cali.; His wife, Judith Fay (Wilson) Donahue of Birdseye also survives. Step-children, Kent, Matthew and Joel Wilson all of Santa Barbara, Cali.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2015 at the Salem United Church of Christ with Pastor Mark West and Reverand Al Madden officiating.

A wake or gathering of family and friends will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the Donahue Home.

Memorial donations may be made to Salem United Church of Christ

Online condolences may be made at Boultinghouse Funeral Home.