Thomas Michael Donohoe

On Friday, July 15, 2022, Thomas Michael Donohoe, loving husband, father of five children, and grandfather of 11 grandchildren, passed away at the age of 81.

Tom was born on December 4, 1940 in O’Neill Nebraska on a dairy farm to Clarence and Lois Donohoe. He was the oldest boy of 10 children. Tom joined the Navy after high school in June of 1958. He left boot camp at the top of his class and served until 1962. Tom then went to technical school in Minneapolis, MN where he learned to be a medical lab tech, but most importantly, met Sharon Lou Harth. On September 19, 1964, he and Sharon were married in Alexandria, MN at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They lived in Osceola, WI where he worked in the hospital as a lab tech. After determining the medical field was not his passion, Tom and Sharon moved to O’Neill, NE where he worked construction before returning to his roots by working for an Allis-Chalmers dealership as a salesman. While in O’Neill, Tom was very involved with the Jaycees Club and often spoke fondly of this time with his good friends there and specifically their involvement with the St. Patrick’s Day Parades. Tom was a proud alumnus of St. Mary’s Catholic School and remained close to his class while in O’Neill and attending every reunion thereafter. Tom and Sharon moved to Mt. Vernon, Ohio where Tom began working for Hesston Corporation. Tom was quickly promoted to a larger territory in Urbana, OH and then to Olathe, KS to become a sales manager. Tom saw an opportunity to forge his own path and moved to Harrisonville, MO where he and his business partner Mike Pozniak bought Harrisonville Ford Tractor Company on December 1, 1976. They also sold GMC trucks at the dealership and bought and sold cattle to help with the initial costs of buying the dealership. Tom’s fortitude and determination shined through in the 1980’s when he was able to make a crucial sale that kept the doors open during these hard times in the Ag industry. In 1990 they took on John Deere and renamed the business Harrisonville Tractor Company. In 2002 the business was expanded by purchasing the Clinton, MO John Deere dealership. Tom had many treasured friendships throughout these years among employees and customers. The dealerships were sold in 2007 when Tom’s retirement began.

Tom lived his life to the fullest with his interests and hobbies. He was very dedicated to his faith and an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church where he volunteered in various roles including mowing the church property, counting offerings, and serving at the food pantry. Tom dearly loved his family and showed that each day of his life through his example. He attended his children and grandchildren’s activities throughout his life. Tom made a special point to plan events throughout the year where the whole family was gathered. It’s a testament to his leadership that the entire family could gather together in one house on vacation and look forward to doing it again. Tom was very active until the end riding his motorcycle, spending time at the golf course or having a weekly card game in his lodge with his friends. Tom loved to attend the Kansas Jayhawks football and basketball games. You would find him every Friday night at the Blue Springs and recently Rockhurst football games, often on the sidelines. Tom loved the camaraderie with the coaches and team and loved the atmosphere of a Friday night football game. Tom lived his life as a champion until the very end; always giving max effort and staying loyal to his team. It is only fitting that he passed peacefully on a Friday night with his team by his side and the victory won.

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that has been written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

                                                                                         1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Tom was preceded in death by both of his parents and his sisters Ellen and Erin (Anne). He is survived by his wife Sharon, his five children, Shawn (Kim) Donohoe, Kelly (Jennifer) Donohoe, Colin Donohoe, Chad (Tiffany) Donohoe, and Kara (JD) Manning, his grandchildren Max, Gabby, Taylor, Chase, Peyton, Quinton, Paige, Ty, Kade, Colten, and Brynn; his brothers Owen (Charlene) Donohoe, Neil (Karen) Donohoe, Bill (Sandy) Donohoe and Pat Donohoe and sisters: Kathleen (Stephen) Rosenberg, Mary (Dan) Straka, Jeanne (Joe) Hauser.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 30^th 2022 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harrisonville, MO at 1 o’clock p.m., followed by an inurnment at Orient Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow for family and friends at 3 o’clock p.m. at Twin Pines Country Club in Harrisonville, MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tom Donohoe Ag Scholarship fund to provide a scholarship to students pursuing higher education in the field of Agriculture. Please make the donations to Edwards Jones, or you can mail the contribution to Dickey Funeral Home P.O. Box 432 Harrisonville, Missouri.