Donald Donovan, Sr.

Donald Dean Donovan, Sr., son of James and Verna (Sharp) Donovan was born March 13, 1943 at Encinitas, California. At the age of 77 years, he passed from this life Sunday, October 25, 2020 at his home in Naponee, Nebraska.

Following high school, Donald joined the US Navy. He served his country proudly upon the USS Valley Forge.  He was honorably discharged in 1964. He returned to Bloomington, Nebraska where his family was living.  Donald married Doris Elata Hooker and to this union five children were born: Stacie, Don, Jr., James, Rita, and Allen Dale.

Donald and his family lived in Wyoming for many years. He loved hunting and fishing and all that nature and this area afforded him. He was an accomplished carpenter. He was a member of the Carpenters Union and mastered all types of carpentry.

Donald will be forever remembered by his children and grandchildren: daughter Stacie Smith and husband Sherman and; granddaughter Elata Leturgey (Jeremiah) and great grandchildren, Riddik, Haakon, Valkyrie; grandson Louie Smith (Charline); granddaughters Mariah and Courtney; son Donald D. Donovan, Jr.; granddaughter Berretta Hansen (Grant); great grandchildren Berkley and Skylie; son James Donovon and wife Stormy; daughter Rita (Pugs) Donovan and husband Scott Austin; granddaughter Jessie Austin. He is also survived by his sisters Polly Diner and Ruth Turner (Rich); his brother Duane Donovan (Rena); and several nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents James and Verna; wife Doris Elata Donovan; son Allen Dale Donovan; and his brothers, Mike, Tom, Gail, Lynn Donovan.

A Memorial Service to honor the life of Donald Donovan, Sr. will be held 10:00am Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the Naponee Cemetery with Pastor Kasey Loschen officiating. Inurnment will follow the service with military honors by the US Naval Honor Guard and Post No. 364 American Legion, Naponee. Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska handled these arrangements.