William Elijha Donahoe, Jr.

            Funeral services for William Elijha Donahoe, Jr., 68, of Zavalla, will be held Monday, June 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Shafer Funeral Home in Lufkin with Pastor Ricky Carrol officiating. Interment will follow at Kitchens Cemetery in Zavalla, Texas.

            Mr. Donahoe was born on September 29, 1956, in Jasper, Texas, to the late William Elijha Donahoe and Irene (Carrell) Smith, and died Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at his residence.

            Will was a dedicated husband to his high school sweetheart, Trisha Dykes Donahoe, for 51 years and a proud father to Will and Kenny. His love for his grandchildren and great grandchildren was unmatched.

            He loved Trisha with all his heart. He strived to make her happy by making sure she had what she needed and wanted...even her strawberry ice cream. These high school sweethearts have stood beside each other through all the ups and downs and that's what love is all about.

            He will be dearly missed by us all. His family was his pride and joy. He was the person we could always count on for a lending hand. He guided us through life's challenging times and was always there for us in times of need. We will miss the visits, the phone calls, and advice. He was a great example of wisdom, strength, and love. 

            He had a love for fishing, a game of 42, and sports...especially basketball. He coached little dribbler teams for many years. You could always find him in the stands if his kids or grandkids were playing.

            Mr. Donahoe is survived by his wife of 51 years, Trisha Donahoe of Zavalla; son and daughter-in-law, Will and Kim Donahoe of Zavalla; son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth “Kenny” and Halley Donahoe of Zavalla; grandson and fiancé, Triston Donahoe and Anna Husband of Zavalla; grandson and fiancé, Jared Donahoe and Tiffanie Keele of Zavalla; grandson, Zachary Moody of Zavalla; granddaughter, Krysten Moody of Zavalla; granddaughter and husband, Kaitlyn and Terry Matchett of Lufkin; grandson, Chandler Hawley of Zavalla; granddaughter and husband, Kaylee and Troy Thompson of Huntington; grandson, Gavin Donahoe of Zavalla; granddaughter and fiancé,  MaHaley Johnson and Logan Daniel of Zavalla; grandson and wife, David and Bridgette Johnson of Lufkin; 10 great-grandchildren and one on the way; brother and sister-in-law, Billy and Beulah Donahoe of Brookland, TX; sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie Sue and Steve Mansfield of Brookland, TX; sister, Mildred “Milly” Martin of Zavalla; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who he loved very much.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Earl Smith; and sister, Wildie Rash.

            Pallbearers will be Billy Donahoe, Jr., Preston Moody, Malcolm Moody, Gavin Donahoe, Triston Donahoe, and Jared Donahoe.

            Honorary pallbearers will be Henry Williams, Jason Mansfield, and Jason Oliver.

            Visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 16, 2025, at Shafer Funeral Home in Lufkin, prior to the funeral service.

            Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.