Frank D Donovan

Frank grew up on a farm in Clanton, Alabama, with his parents and two older siblings. Prior to farming, his father had been a pharmacist, and both of his parents had been teachers. Education was very important in his family. He was a 1950 graduate of Chilton County High School. After high school, Frank decided to postpone college to enter military service. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in January, 1951, during the Korean War. After completing an aircraft and engine mechanics course and testing with high scores, Frank was selected for B-29 flight engineer training. Upon completing both ground and flight training, he was assigned to the 513th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale A.F.B. Louisiana. He married the love of his life, Grace, on July 8, 1954. They were married for almost 69 years. Frank received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force in January, 1955. He immediately enrolled at the University of Alabama. While attending the university, his daughter Patricia was born. By attending extra summer classes, Frank was able to complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in June, 1958.

After college, Frank accepted a job offer from the Boeing Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas. Frank worked a short while at Boeing, and then accepted a job with Douglas Aircraft Company in California, where his son Frank was born. He moved to Texas in December of 1960, after accepting a job with Temco Aircraft Company in Garland. Except for approximately two years with the Collins Radio Company, he spent the remainder of his career with Temco Aircraft and successor companies in Greenville, Texas. Temco later became Ling Temco, then LTV Electrosystems, and later E-Systems, Inc. He was one of a group of long-term employees who helped the company grow from an aircraft inspection and repair facility to a world leader in military electronics and executive aircraft modifications. At E-Systems he advanced from a Design Engineer to Manager of the Aero Engineering Department; a group of Electrical, structural, and Mechanical Engineers.

After moving to the Cedar Creek Area in 1989 and growing tired of the long commute, he retired from E-Systems (later Raytheon) in 1991. He enjoyed boating, fishing, reading, puzzles, board and card games with family, and observing the wildlife on the lake. He enjoyed spending time with his cat Tabby and his granddog Loki. He loved watching sports and was an avid Cowboys and Crimson Tide fan (Roll Tide!). He loved to collect and restore (to working condition) antique radios, and amassed an impressive collection. He was a member of the Vintage Radio and Phonograph Society for several years. He was an inactive member of the American Legion and supported other veteran groups. He was also a member of the Rootseekers Genealogical Society of Mabank.

Above all, Frank was a Christian and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great and great-great grandfather. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gun Barrel City, Texas, where he taught a senior adult Sunday School Class for over eight years. Frank enjoyed socializing with friends and family. He frequently lightened the mood by sharing a joke or two.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Grover Cleveland Donovan and Carrie Sadie (Willis) Donovan; daughter Deborah Elaine Donovan; brother James Mullins Donovan; sister Doris Jean Bearden (husband Joe); brother Rev. Fred Randolph Donovan (wife Betty); and daughter-in-law, Sue (Gander) Donovan.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Grace Annette (Lawrence) Donovan; daughter Patricia Donovan; son Frank Donovan, Jr. (wife, Pam); granddaughter Carisa Lewis (husband Mark); granddaughter Leann Manning (husband Steve); grandson Clay Donovan (wife Sydney); granddaughter Katie Donovan; grandson Patrick Donovan; grandson Ryan Donovan; great granddaughter Taja Calloway (husband Tommy); great grandson Tyler Hall; and great-great granddaughter Kynlee Calloway.

A visitation for Frank will be held Friday, June 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 522 West Main Street, Gun Barrel City, Texas. A funeral service will occur at First Baptist Church immediately after the visitation at 2:00 PM.

Frank will be laid to rest in Eubank Cedar Creek Memorial Park, 16701 SH 198, Mabank, Texas.

In lieu of flowers please donate to one of Frank's favorite charities. Please consider: The First Baptist Church of Gun Barrel City at fbcgbc.org or Tunnel to Towers at t2t.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eubankcedarcreek.com for the Donovan family.