Donnell Keith Poke
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Donnell Keith Poke, 33, of Kansas City, Missouri, died on Saturday, March 6, 2021.
An open viewing will be held 11 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, March 16, at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society in Raytown, Missouri. If you would like to watch the visitation live, please click HERE. A celebration of life event will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, at the IAFF Local 42 Union Hall in Kansas City, Missouri. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, those who attend either gathering are required to wear a mask.
The only thing more boisterous than Donnell’s distinctive deep voice was his infectious laugh. His laughter was so genuine that the joke could be over but if he was still laughing you would find yourself joining him until you were both out of breath. People who knew the Kansas City, Kansas, native in only a casual sense thought of him as quiet; however, the people who were fortunate enough to be included in his inner circle knew he was a profound thinker who was not afraid to bite his tongue, share a unique perspective, engage in nerdy debate or drop a witty remark.
For nearly the last decade of his life, Donnell, 33, dedicated his life to physical fitness, combat sports, and wellness and he wasn’t selfish in this pursuit. He inspired people around him to eat healthier and care about their health as much as he did and was always willing to share a workout routine or help them create a meal plan. Donnell eventually turned this passion into Pantheon Fitness, a personal training service he launched in 2020 to help other people improve their well-being.
Besides keeping himself and others fit and trim, Donnell loved hip-hop and was a huge nerd who loved anime, comic books, attending comic book conventions, reading, playing video games and exploring pop culture — he even named two of his family’s cats after characters from “The Sopranos” in his younger years.
Donnell was a dedicated friend who was loved by everyone who met him and he became a devoted husband to his wife, Laura, when they quietly tied the knot on Jan. 17, 2021. While their time together was short, it was special for them and they become each other’s happy place.
He is preceded in death by his favorite cousin, Brandon Hall, his grandmother, Fannie Mildred Taylor, and other loved ones.
Donnell’s survivors include his wife, Laura, of Kansas City, Missouri, and their pets — Lunchbox, Lina and Socrates — his parents, Bryan and Annette Poke, his younger sister Corine Poke and her children, K.J., Keith and Kacie, all of Kansas City, Kansas, and host of other friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made in his name to PeacePlayers International.
Donnell was such a light and positive energy at 9Round. He had such a genuine, sincere and calm soul. He will be deeply missed by so many. While I only knew him for a little while I’ll cherish that I was priveleged enough to have known such a genuine guy. I will continue to pray for his wife Laura, his family and friends. My heart is with you all.
To my nephew Donnell, I’ve known you from the time of your birth. I’ve always known you to have a quiet nature, much like the uncle you were named after (Cpl Donald Maurice Poke-US Army). It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, but how I would have loved one last hug, the opportunity to meet Laura, and experience your entrepreneurial endeavors. I will miss your smile, Donnell. As my heart is heavy, I will keep my other siblings in prayer. I am sending up intentional prayers for your mom Annette and my brother Bryan. To my niece Corine, auntie loves you! The faculty of memory is what will sustain us during this time. I love you, family!
Auntie Mari
Raleigh, North Carolina
Cousin, I love you and you know I did. You will be terribly missed but us all. Give Gerald, Jorrard, Uncle Boowee and Grandma a hug from all of us. Love you more, Tionna
It was a privilege to call you my little cousin. It was an even bigger privilege to have a front seat to watch the man you became. You were blessed having the last name Poke, and you carried it with integrity, strength, and honor. God speed cousin. We’ll see each other down the road.
Laura, To hear of your husband’s sudden death was shocking. We send our sincere condolences to you and your family as well as Donnell’s family. Know others care.
My chosen brother. I love you. So many plans together so much to experience and see. I was anxious to see you accomplish your dreams and you were living them. You inspired, helped and lifted me to a better version of myself. As you did with so many people. But now I see you Ascended to God Level as so many of your shirts would elude to. So all I can say is I will see you in the Next Round God.
Until then
Rest In Pantheon.
See ya there
To the poke Family I work with Donnell at the NDC (united states postal service) . Sometime I would see him at the gym that we both worked out at . He was always very polite and courteous . It was very shocking to hear of his passing . My heart goes out to his Father and Family . I Will keep you all in my prayers asking God to give you peace and understanding .
My sincere condolences on your loss. I’ve watched Donnell grow over the years, 1st through Bryan at work and then through Facebook. He has become an outstanding man and I’m sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Donnell