Former longtime Rep. Owen Donohoe of Shawnee passed away Sunday. He was 80.
Republican state Rep. Angela Stiens announced Donohoe’s death on the House floor Monday just before the House adjourned. He had been ill since Christmas.
Stiens replaced Donohoe in District 39 after he left the Legislature in March 2024 because of health issues.
He served in the Kansas House from 2007 to 2013. He returned to the Kansas House in 2019 and served through 2024.
After leaving office in 2013, Donohoe tried to make a comeback four years later but came in third in a three-way GOP primary won by Shelee Brim.
He came back in 2018, defeating Republican Kristy Acree in the primary and then defeating Democrat Michael Bolton in the general election with 53% of the vote.
Outside of politics, he had run a medical device company.
He and his wife were married nearly 60 years. They had five children, 17 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
“He never held back,” Stiens told the House. “He definitely would speak when he had something important to say. He had an Irish wit.”
“Thank you Owen for all of your service,” she said. “I’m sure many of you knew him. Their family is asking for prayers at this time.”
