Lawrence James Donovan

Lawrence James ("Larry") Donovan passed away on March 25th 2015, after a long, productive and healthy life of 97 years. Larry was born on January 4, 1918, the second of eight children, to John and Margaret Donovan and spent a happy childhood in Roslindale, Massachusetts with his large, loving family. In 1943, Larry joined the Army Air Corps and trained as a navigator. He was stationed in England and flew combat missions with the 8th Air Force during WWII. While training in Texas, Larry realized that he loved the warmth and friendliness of the state and vowed to return. In 1945, he married Lois Fowler of Houston, and lived the rest of his life in Texas. Larry graduated from the University of Houston with a Mechanical Engineering degree. He was recalled by the Air Force during the Korean War and served in Seoul as a contracting officer. Upon his return home, he was employed by Honeywell where he worked as an Application Engineer until he transferred to a Houston contracting company, Aircontrol Associates, Inc. in 1965. Larry spent the remainder of his career at Aircontrol and retired as Vice President of the company in 1984. Larry's retirement was spent in central Texas; first in San Marcos, then in Georgetown overseeing the operation of a small cattle ranch and playing golf. In his nineties, Larry moved to the Conservatory at Wells Branch in Austin where he found happiness in the company of new friends and the new challenge of learning to play bridge. Larry will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, his skill around the green, his keen interest in politics and, above all, his love for family. He enjoyed watching things grow and spent his life guiding the progress of the next three generations. He appreciated the value of education and always encouraged those around him with his positive attitude, persistence and practicality. He is survived by his ex-wife and mother of his children, Lois Fowler Donovan; his son, Dr. Jim Donovan and daughter- in- law, Carol Stanley Donovan of Georgetown; his daughter Susan Donovan Albers and son-in-law Rick Albers of Austin; his grandchildren Brian Donovan, Erin Donovan Vanderbilt and her husband Evan Vanderbilt, Joseph Albers, and Katherine Albers; and one very special great grandson, Cason James Vanderbilt. He is also survived by two sisters Theresa Donovan Lawrence and Patricia Donovan Dolin and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and five brothers and sisters. "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." -Greek Proverb A private family graveside ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Larry's memory to your favorite charitable organization or plant a tree in his honor.