Dave C. Donovan, 74, life-long Prosser resident, passed away at his home on December 16, 2013. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. His smile, kindness, words of wisdom and sense of humor will be deeply missed.
David Charles Donovan was born on July 20, 1939 in Yakima to Alfred Francis “Jack” Donovan and Hazel Mildred (Hand) Donovan. Dave grew up living with his family above The Barn Restaurant, which was owned by his parents and famous for their Tender Burger. Through the years, Dave, made many a Tender Burger for his friends and family in the traditional way taught to him by his mother. He also helped in the restaurant and motel, which his parents owned from 1946 to 1974. Dave later worked at Seneca Foods for ten years, Prosser Pack, Hanford and Tom Denchel Ford. In 1972, he joined the Benton County Sheriff’s Department and served as a Deputy Sheriff until his retirement as Captain in 1990. After retiring, Dave continued operating Lower Valley Ground Applicators, a company he owned for twenty-five years, worked as a Deputy Coroner for Benton County and worked for Prosser Funeral Home.
Dave was also a U.S. Army Veteran and met his future wife, Winifred “Betty” Donovan while stationed in Pennsylvania. Dave and Betty were married on April 2, 1960 in Shippensburg, PA and made their home in Prosser in 1961. Betty and Dave operated Donovan’s Café in downtown Prosser for several years. The couple raised two children, Deborah and David and were married for forty years when Betty passed away on July, 9, 2000. Dave was her devoted caregiver for several years.
On June 28, 2003, Dave married Penelope “Penny” Ann Rawson in Prosser and the couple enjoyed the past ten years together spending time with family and friends, traveling, making holiday candy and pickling asparagus and beets.
Dave also loved spending time with his brother, Jim and his family. Dave and Jim attended Super Bowl XLIV in Florida and enjoyed many trips together including a trip to England. Dave also loved watching football, especially the Seattle Seahawks, photography, golf and fishing.
Dave was a life-long member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Kiwains. Dave also served on the Prosser City Council for eight years, until, as Dave put it, “By popular demand was politely asked to leave.”
Dave is survived by his wife, Penny of Prosser; daughter, Deborah Kay Donovan and her husband, Kevin Larson of Prosser; his son, David George Donovan and his wife, Valerie Kay of Prosser; grandsons, David Earl Donovan and his wife, Natasha of North Carolina, Zachary Donovan and his wife, Kayleen of Prosser and Scott Donovan and his wife, Ashleigh of Eglin Airforce Base in Florida; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Hunter, Blake and Noah and one on the way; his brother, Jim Donovan and his wife, Marti of Seattle; nephews, Scott Donovan and his wife, Trina and Rob Donovan and Liz and John Sheehan; nieces, Mary Panichi and her husband, Tim, Mary Sheehan and Maureen Sheehan. His parents and his sister, Nancy Sheehan, also preceded Dave in death.
Visitation will be held at Prosser Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 18th from 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Thursday, December 19th at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Concluding services with Full Military Honors will follow at the Prosser Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the graveside service in Smith Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Lower Valley Hospice.