John Leslie Donohue, Jr., 48, of Belleville, Ill., was born on April 16, 1969, in Belleville, Ill., and passed away Thursday, November 30, 2017, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, O'Fallon, Ill.

John was known by family and friends as Little John or John Jr. He grew up in Fairview Heights, was a graduate of Belleville East High School and served in the U.S. Navy.

He had a love for life and enjoyed listening to music, sitting around a bonfire, barbecuing, and spending time with his family and friends. He loved being outside and was always working on a project, whether it was building something or planting flowers. He loved playing and watching football, especially the Dallas Cowboys. He taught many children and adults the art of karate and was the black belt degree of Sho Dan in Shorin-Ryu karate.

In heaven he will be joining his grandparents, Amos and Gracie Hackworth and Jule and Catherine Richards; along with his grandfather Rev. Leslie Donohue; and his nephew Jacob Potter.

From above he will watch over his surviving family, son, Johnathan Donohue of Mascoutah, Ill.; his parents, John and Kathryn, nee Hackworth, Donohue of Fairview Heights, Ill.; siblings, Jimmy (Lorie) Donohue of Bowling Green, Ky., Jacqueline (James) Potter of Clarksville, Tenn., Elizabeth (Jon) Fischetti of Hendersonville, N.C., and Christopher (Katie) Donohue of Belleville, Ill.; nieces and nephews; and countless other beloved family and friends.

John will be remembered as very compassionate and loving person. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

Memorials may be made to the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com.

Friends may call 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, at the Elks Lodge #664, 9480 Old Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights, Ill.

Celebration of John's life will start at 5 p.m. with Rev. Charles West officiating.

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Troy, Ill.