Louis "Lou" Donald Donohoe Jr., 76, of Mardela Springs, died peacefully of natural causes on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Born February 1, 1950, in Mardela Springs, Lou was the son of the late L. Donald Donohoe Sr. and the late Cecilia Ann (Lankford) Donohoe.

Lou's life was rooted in hard work and the community of Mardela Springs that he called home for his lifetime. He spent his youth and early adult years working side by side with his father on the family farm, Donohoe Farms, raising watermelons, cantaloupes, and other produce. Those years helped shape his strong work ethic and lifelong appreciation for tractors and working with his hands.

He served as a school bus contractor for Wicomico County Public Schools for 40 years, becoming a familiar face to generations of area children. Along the way, he formed many lifelong friendships with other area bus contractors and students who still remember him fondly from their school days. Lou also served as an honorary deputy with the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office from 1982 to 1986.

As a self-employed carpenter, he earned the respect of many throughout the area for his craftsmanship and commitment to doing a job well. His hardworking hands told the story of his life. Lou had a knack for figuring things out, and those who knew him will tell you that there seemed to be little he could not fix. His skill, resourcefulness, and years of work left a lasting impression on the people and places he did work for.

Lou took great pride in his membership in Temple Lodge #170 A.F. & A.M. and his standing as a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. Being a Mason held a meaningful place in his life, and he strived to uphold its principles of integrity, brotherhood, and service to others.

An avid outdoorsman, Lou enjoyed hunting, trapping, and fishing. Many early cold mornings were spent in a duck blind or on a boat with his longtime friends, Gerry Hovatter and Randy Beers. He had a special passion for antique tractors and was well known among fellow enthusiasts for his tractor, "Smoky," and his participation in local tractor pulls. Those pursuits were more than pastimes; they were part of who he was and brought him great enjoyment throughout his life.

Lou is survived by his three children, Kathy Turner of Salisbury, Brian Donohoe (Stacey) of Hebron, and Karen Hitch (Jonathan) of Salisbury; and his eight grandchildren, Allison Marie Parsons, Jeffrey Drake Turner, Riley Kathleen Parsons, Casey Brian Parsons, Chase Landry Donohoe, Shane Parker Turner, Logan Raeann Passon (Hunter), and Haedon Ray Hitch. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Faye "Faye" Rathel (Wayne) of Sharptown, his niece Tara Parsons of Salisbury, and his father's lifelong companion, Sandra Saulsbury of Mardela Springs.

In accordance with his wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. A celebration of Lou's life will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Company Fire Hall. Further details will be shared by the family.

Arrangements are being handled by Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.shortfh.com.