Within the previous twelve months, both my brother and my mother passed. This post will be a tribute to my brother, Donovan E. Mohr. Some called him Donnie Mohr or, most casually, Don.
May I take this moment to share about one of the most significant men in my life? It’s my older brother.
To many, he was just a working “Joe” who lived a relatively normal, insignificant life by the standards of the world’s elite “Hi Falouting” people.
But he was my beloved brother. He also drove me crazy and could tease me to no end. Still, I gave it back and never backed down. I learned that in large part from him.
During my lifetime, he fought others for me, encouraged me, and aggravated me.
Yes, I said it.
Family is complicated. Love is complicated. Life is complicated.
Donovan, or Donnie, was born on August 23, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio. He entered the world to find his lifetime best friend, his brother Keith.
Other siblings followed – including me, the last child and only girl. Yes, he spoiled me – as they all did.
Donovan “Donnie” Mohr was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 23, 1956.
When he entered the world, he was blessed with a lifetime best friend—his big brother, Keith. He and Keith were inseparable well into adulthood.
Their mother, Ethel, often dressed them in matching outfits as children.Â
He attended Vernon, Coronado Jr High, and Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas.
Donnie’s journey through life was full of adventure, resilience, and love.
After a very severe illness, Donnie reinvented his life as few others could have done.
He married his long-time girlfriend, Shirley, and began working for the United States Postal Service until retirement.
Rarely missing a day of work, he consistently brought his work ethic and commitment to the role.
Personally, Donnie always had a passion for cooking. His jerk chicken was phenomenal.
He also constantly upgraded ordinary dishes, like ramen or scrambled eggs, into something special.
In addition to creating great meals, he thoroughly enjoyed indulging in good food. He liked our mom’s potato salad, ribs, and pumpkin pie.
His love for old-school R&B music brought joy to his life and served as the soundtrack to many memorable moments.
As a little girl, I used to love going through his album covers—and he had plenty!!!
I’m talking about Isaac Hayes, Earth, Wind and Fire, the Commodores, Parliament (that cover used to scare me!), Ohio Players, and more.
Here’s one I remember him playing often:
He could also dance!
A bit of a kid at heart, he could also be found watching cartoons with my brother Eric and me even when he was in his teens.
He gave the best piggyback rides because he would run FAST and jerk around. I loved it!
A consummate jokester, Donnie loved to make others laugh. He also loved my boys, who lovingly called him “Unc.”
In fact, he literally saved my youngest from choking. He was genuinely choking on hard candy and my brother knew what to do and instantly did it!
I will never forget that.
Also, as a kind soul, Donnie could often be found stopping his car to help a stranded motorist or a person in need.
He was no mechanic, but he knew how to do a lot with cars and other DIY tasks.
As a young man, Donnie explored the world of modeling and even appeared as an extra in a Hollywood film.
He had a son, Armánd Edris Calhoun, and his love for him ran deep.
He once confided how he wished he could go back in time and do more for his son, but he made up for it later in life.
Donnie was known for being a gifted conversationalist. He could discuss just about any topic, making everyone feel seen and heard.
An avid reader, Donnie found pleasure in fiction books, often getting lost in stories that captivated his imagination.
He also had a great appreciation for riveting television shows and movies.
His love for nature, especially his fascination with storms, made him someone who embraced the beauty and power of the world around him—sometimes even during the storms themselves!
It was nothing to find him gazing at the sky at cloud formations as others ran for cover during tornado warnings!
Throughout his life, Donnie called many places home, including Seattle, California, and several other states, but Kansas City, Kansas, particularly the Quindaro area, held a special place in his heart. He often spoke of his buddies there and the Quindaro families he cherished with all his heart.
Donnie was a man who knew his own mind and was never shy about speaking up and offering his direct, street-smart insights—whether they were solicited or not.
Though imperfect, as all people are, he was a good man who loved his friends and family wholeheartedly.
One of my favorite memories was him teaching me to drive and almost backing into a government water structure. Oops.
Seriously.
Life threw him unthinkable challenges – many of which few knew about – but Donnie’s resilience allowed him to rise above them, contributing to society and living his life the best way he knew how.
In 2019, he joined Macedonia Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. He gave his life to the Lord there and re-affirmed that commitment before his death.
Always doing things on his terms, Donnie left this earth on his birthday and anniversary, August 23, 2024.
He leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience, forever treasured by those who knew him.
Specifically, his wife, Shirley Mohr, his son, Armánd Mohr, a brother, Russell Mohr (West Coast), and a sister, Terri (Me).Â
Preceding him in death are his mother, Ethel Worten, his father, and his brothers, Eric Easter and Keith Mohr.Â
You did good, Donnie. I love you, and I forever will. Please hug Mom in heaven for me.
I won’t lie; I am devastated beyond words as I type this. My heart feels like it is going to explode in my chest, and I genuinely cannot tell if the pain is COVID, emotional, or physical.
Either way, I know God will carry me through all this.
I am resolute in spirit, and Jesus Christ is Lord of all.
My brother was never mine, but a gift the Lord had given me.
Who am I to be angry with God when He orders my life in a way I do not want? He is LORD over me. I trust Him, and I know He is near.
” The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Stay strong in your own journey, and thank you for letting me share a part of my life and my pain with you.
To God be the glory.
