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Shrine of Remembrance

1730 East Fountain Blvd.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

John Donlon Obituary

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jan. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Molly Donlon-Barnes

January 9, 2012

It is with great sorrow that I heard of Uncle Joe's passing. The photo looks so much like my Dad, his kid brother, Robert. I have so many memories of going over to Uncle Joe and Aunt Joanie's house as a child and I couldn't wait to see the four cousins! My prayers and thoughts are with him and the family. God Bless.

Jackie Calvert

January 6, 2012

It was my honor and privledge to work with "Joe", I knew him to be an honest, and dedicated man. My thoughts and prayers go out to JoAnn and his family.

Katie Strong

January 5, 2012

I miss you Papa Joe! You were so wonderful to me... I love you so much. P.s. Don't worry about grandma, she is in good hands. I wish you were still here. I love you

Shelagh Donlon - Fredenburg

January 5, 2012

I did not have much of chance to know Joe, but as an adult I work very closely with construction unions and I am very proud of my family connection to Unions and the great work Uncle Joe and his father my Grampa did before him for working families. My thoughts and prayers go out to his 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and I am so happy to have so many people sharing the Donlon genes with me.

Colleen Donlon

January 5, 2012

I always had fond memories of Uncle Joe. Rest in Peace dear uncle.

Maureen Donlon

January 5, 2012

It was my great privilege to know Joe and he was charmingly welcoming to me when I joined his family by marrying his "kid" brother, Bob. Also, as a member of the "working" class, I will always admire his devotion to the principles of unionism. He was a great guy and he will be missed.

Dennis Creese

January 4, 2012

Thank you Joe for everything you did for all workers and their families. PEACE BE WITH YOU!
Dennis Creese
IUPAT DC #15, LU #930

January 4, 2012

Mark and Jo, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Betty Schmidt and Marty Miller, Zihua, Mexico

Pam Bauer

January 4, 2012

Debi and Family - you are in our thoughts and prayers! It was an honor to have known him - he was a wonderful man!

January 4, 2012

Thank you Joe. You will be missed.
Charles Johnson
IBEW LU 113

January 4, 2012

Joe was truly a friend to all working people. We will miss him.
Bill Campbell IBEW Local 113

January 4, 2012

Thanks for everything you've done for the labor movement Joe.
Steve Plutt
LU113

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Shrine of Remembrance

1730 East Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910

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