William J. Donovan

William J. (Dub) Donovan, 83 of Shawnee, Kansas passed away June 1, 2009.

Dub was born January 12, 1926 in Anamosa, Iowa to William A. and Loretta Garrity Donovan. The family moved to Shawnee in 1936, where Dub graduated from St. Joseph School. He was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He worked for the family business, Donovan's Service, before serving in the US Army during WWII. Dub married the love of his life, Louise T. Bender, May 3, 1952. From this union four children were born. After his father's retirement, Dub took over the operations of Donovan's Service from 1977 until his semi retirement in 2003. He still enjoyed spending his days at the shop helping out, visiting with customers, and reading. Dub was a proud member of the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Department serving as District Chief for many years.

Dub was preceded in death by his parents and by an infant brother. He is survived by his wife Louise of the home, by his children; Kathleen (Randy) Nealey of Shawnee, Patrick (Janet) Donovan of Olathe, Therese Donovan of Shawnee, and Dennis Donovan (Barb Draper) of Shawnee. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Angela Atwell, Matthew (Melany) Donovan, William (Karen) Nealey, John (Melissa) Donovan, Alan Donovan (Allyson Stock), Krystal Donovan, and by three great-grandchildren; Brett and Luke Atwell, and Layla Donovan. Dub is also survived by his sisters; Mary Watson and Jane Henry, and his brother Dan Donovan.

Memorial contributions in Dub's memory may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in lieu of flowers.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 3, 2009, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, with a rosary recited at 5:30 p.m. Mass will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday at the church. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.