OBITUARY: John Henry Donner Jr

John Henry Donner, Jr., 38, passed away on October 4, 2025, following an accident at his Nashville home. He was the son of John Henry Donner, Sr., of West Falls, N.Y. and Liz Phythyon Donner of Nashville, who survive him.

According to a Metro Police Department spokesman, officers responding to a neighbor’s report found that John Henry had suffered “a high fall” from the exterior stairway to his second-floor apartment and that “the cause and manner of death are pending conclusions by the Medical Examiner.”

Educated at the University of Vermont for his B.A. degree in Art and English, he went on to Hunter College to get his MFA in Studio Art. John Henry had carved out a career as a freelance graphic artist, an art handler, and a chef. He also served as a teacher with the Nashville affiliate of Kokua Education which brings together a network of guest teachers to augment the educational experiences of students who have learning differences.

Additionally, he served as a volunteer for Nashville nonprofit Room in the Inn, a faith-based initiative that serves and supports those experiencing homelessness and others in need. He also was involved with St. Luke’s Community House, an Episcopal outreach. John Henry was a talented, multi-instrument musician and songwriter.

Surviving John Henry, in addition to his parents, are his brother, Walter Eugene O’Neill Donner of Philadelphia, PA and his grandmothers, Marlin Jones Phythyon Sanders of Nashville and Lola Mae Drier Donner of Hamburg, NY. Also remembering him with love are aunts Mary Neal Phythyon Meador (Clif), Sarah Reed Phythyon Miller (Jim), Lori Margerat, Judi Donner, and uncles Jim Donner and Jeff Donner. Step-aunts Kathy Tompkins (Tommy), Beth Eckert (Bob), Laura Sanders (Mike), and step-uncle Evan Sanders (Jennifer); and many beloved cousins.

Preceding John in death are his maternal grandfather, Dr. James Martin Phythyon, and The Right Reverend William Evan Sanders, whom Marlin married after Jim passed away. Also preceding him in death is his paternal grandfather Eugene Donner.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his honor to St. Luke’s Community House, Nashville, Room in the Inn, Nashville, and St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Buffalo.

Memorial arrangements are pending.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104 (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be West Nashville & Bellevue’s only locally owned and operated burial & cremation provider.