Donald James Donohue

Lt. Col USAF-retired Donald James Donohue, age 95, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Laguna Niguel, CA, a son of the late John and Josephine Donohue. He was born on February 6th, 1930 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Don attended Purcell High School and Xavier University both in Cincinnati.

On May 12th 1951 he married Joan Mary Heidkamp, proposing to her on April Fool’s Day. Later they would discover they were born just 21 days apart in the same hospital.

In 1951, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force and in short order received an offer to attend the highly competitive Officer Candidate School (making him a Maverick). His flying career was long and extensive. As a member of Oxcart he flew chase on the first flight of the A-12 in a F 101, Voodoo. Over the course of his career, he piloted each of the following aircraft: T-6, T-33, F-101, F-104 and the F-4.

During his career as a fighter and test pilot for the USAF, Don played a major role at the USAF military installation in Groom Lake, Nevada commonly referred to as AREA 51, specifically in the oversight and development of the YF- 12/SR-71 program. His leadership and guidance helped strengthen the United States position in the growing Cold War. Also in Japan, our family got to see him drop dummy bombs on targets only 400 yards from our location. This was done free site (no instruments) and Lieutenant Colonel Donohue obliterated all the targets while all being announced over loudspeakers.

He was later transferred to Kunsan, Korea where he took our dog “Vicious” secretly in the GIB’s lap, in a F-4 from Misawa AFB to Korea, unbeknownst to the Air Force, may be the only supersonic dog in the history of the USAF!

In 1972, Don retired with distinction from the USAF, having never been passed over from enlisted, to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Upon retirement from the USAF, the family moved to Las Vegas, NV where Don started Las Vegas Airlines in 1973. The airline became the second largest Grand Canyon operator in Las Vegas. During this time, Don and Joan traveled globally with the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority promoting Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Don was also a long-time member of the Las Vegas Executive Association. True to his background, he hired primarily ex-military fighter pilot's including Vietnam veterans and former members of the Thunderbirds. Las Vegas Airlines was unique in that it was a family business. All four sons and mother, Joan, worked within the business. That led to a lot of fun, a lot of mess, and a lot of memories.

In 2018, Don was inducted to the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame. The entire family was in attendance. This induction was a wonderful capstone for a remarkable aviation career and life. Don attended regular breakfast with the veterans' group “Old Bold.” To say this was special to him would be an understatement. As he addressed Old Bold on his last visit, he talked about how great the guys were and shed tears numerous times. To any of the bold Old Bold members that may read this, the Donohue’s simply say, “thank you.”

Don was a lifelong Cincinnati Reds Fan. Don was an avid sports fan he played basketball (all USAF Europe) bowled for the Edwards AFB traveling bowling Team, played baseball and coached while playing softball well into his 50’s. Don enjoyed dogs and anytime we went out around the senior living center he would stop and play with any dogs we could find. He enjoyed western movies and war movies, especially ones with John Wayne.

Although Don had great leadership, charisma, and personality, we think most would agree his greatest strength was his sense of humor. He maintained that to the end and always reminded all of us not to ever lose our sense of humor. Don had what we call a “Donohue" sense of humor. One of our favorite memories are when he said something he thought was funny he laughed so hard at his own joke that he would cry laughing. Didn't really matter how anyone else felt about the joke!

Near the end, a special moment came about while taking him for a "walk" in his wheelchair. The topic of dying came up and one of his sons said, “at least we know where we’re going when it’s all over.” Don, lit up with palatable excitement and said, “that’s for sure!“ Don is now with his son Duffy. Both are now in the loving arms of their heavenly father. We are thankful for Don as a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Don leaves a legacy of strength, humor, and fiery determination.

Don is survived by his wife of 74 years, Joan Mary Donohue ; he was predeceased by his "Number 3 son," Steven Du y, and survived by three sons; Donald J Donohue, Jr (Karen) of Las Vegas, NV; David R. Donohue (Kathleen) of Louisville, KY and Dean M. Donohue (LeeAnn/sp?) of Louisville KY, 10 Grand Children and was blessed by many great grandchildren.