of Conway, AR
January 2, 1958 - October 21, 2014
Joseph Anthony Donovan of Conway died on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014.
He was born in Conway on Jan. 2, 1958, to the late Judge Francis T. Donovan and Elizabeth ''Libby'' Donovan. He was preceded in death by a son, Shea Douglas Donovan; a sister, Kathleen Donovan; and Prissy, his canine friend of 14 years. He is survived by his longtime love, companion and caretaker, Tasi Wyatt, of Conway; his brother, Tom Donovan of Fayetteville, Ark.; his sisters, Ann Donovan of Fayetteville, Ginny Baldridge (Tony) of St. Louis, Mo., and Patty Tackett (David) of Hot Springs; and by 16 nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two children, Whitney Harrison of Liberty, Mo., and Hannah Dean of El Dorado, Ark.; three grandchildren, Jackson and Stella Harrison of Liberty, Mo., and Kamden Dean of El Dorado, Ark.; and by many, many friends.
Joe was a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Conway where he loved playing basketball, and was known for his warm personality and handsome good looks. He graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a BS in Political Science in 1981. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He worked in medical sales for 28 years.
As an avid outdoorsman, Joe was both a skilled hunter and fisherman with a scholarly interest in collecting and studying antlers. Joe, who was an enthusiastic Arkansas Razorbacks and UCA Bears fan, will be remembered for his quick wit, caring ways, and quiet generosity. He helped many people - family, friends and strangers, with his time and money throughout his lifetime.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014, at Roller-McNutt in Conway. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway. Burial will be at Riverwood Memorial Gardens, Maumelle, Ark.
Pallbearers are Brooks Bright, Larry Freyaldenhoven, Tim Goff, Mike Hess, Dar Humphrey, Arch Jones, Jr., Steve Longing, Mike Parks, Tom Robbins, Tim Stell, Lynn Waldren, John Tate, and Leo Wilcox.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society and the Humane Society of Faulkner County, Conway.
To the Donovan family, I extend my condolence. Death of a loved one is never easy for us to overcome. However, God promises us that Joseph will be able to live again right here on earth and we know, God does not lie. (Isaiah 26:19; Numbers 23:19)
My thoughts and prayers to the many friends and loved ones that Joe leaves behind. May God be with you!