John “Joe” Donlon, age 80, a lifelong resident of Colorado Springs, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2011 at his home. He was born on January 10, 1931 to the late John and Kathleen (Neer) Donlon. He met the love of his life, Joan Ann Flanagan, and they married on November 12, 1949 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Colorado Springs.
Joe served his country proudly in the United States Air Force. He was an Executive Director for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. He was Business Manager for the Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council and Business Manager for Local 113. Joe served as a Colorado State Senator from 1964 until 1968. He was a member of Divine Redeemer Catholic Church for over 50 years and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #113 for over 60 years. Joe loved fishing and tied his own flies, and enjoyed camping and traveling. He was a very talented carpenter.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Joan Ann Donlon; two sons, Mark (Jo) Donlon and Brad (Lisa) Donlon; two daughters, Deborah (Jesse) Strong and Lori (Randy) Slattery; twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren; and his brother, William Donlon. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Kathleen Dea; and a brother, Robert Donlon.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2011 at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home. A rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel. Mass of Christian Burial is planned for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2011 at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 927 North Logan Avenue. Joe will be entombed at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum with a committal to be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joe’s name may be made to his favorite charity that he liked to support, the Alzheimer’s Association, 2315 Bott Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904-3727.