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BORN
1940
DIED
2022
GySGT Donovan Obituary
August 29, 1940 - November 12, 2022
Morganza, Louisiana - It is with great sadness that we announce the death of former longtime resident of Beaufort, Duane Francis Donovan, Gysgt. USMC, (Ret.). A true American hero, he served 23 years of active service including multiple combat tours in Vietnam. GySgt. Donovan passed away peacefully at home on November 12, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Born August 29, 1940, in Natchez, Mississippi to William T. and LuluMae (Robinson) Donovan, Duane was the seventh of nine children.
Upon retirement from active duty, GySgt. Donovan continued to serve his beloved Marine Corps and fellow Marines as the Manager of the SNCO Club aboard MCRD Parris Island, SC. He excelled in his duties and eventually was promoted to Manager of the Parris Island Club System which included the Enlisted, SNCO, and Officers' Clubs.
His numerous medals and decorations include: Navy Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal with six stars; National Defense Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with five stars; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Certificate of Appreciation; and Letter of Appreciation Third Award.
GySgt. Donovan was the recipient of the Marine Corps Club Manager of the Year award. He was also an honorary member of the Marine Corps Drill Instructor Association.
Preceded in death by his parents William T. and LulaMae Donovan; parents-in-law Leland and Katie (Thomas) Goodson; brothers Billy, Donald, Errol, Pat, and Mike Donovan; sister Shirley Donovan Doucet; brothers-in-law Joe David Smith, Ralph Goodson, Gene Goodson, Quincy Turner, and David Kay; and sisters-in-law Katie (Goodson) Kay and Ann (Goodson) Turner.
Duane is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Dale (Goodson) Donovan; children Duane, Rebecca Donovan-Hosmer (Russ), Patricia Donovan Martinez (Atanacio), and grandson Patrick Martinez; brother John (Sandra) Donovan and sister Connie Donovan Smith. He also leaves behind his beloved pets Luther the rescue dog and Mike the cat to mourn.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on November 21,2002, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Morganza, LA.
The Marine Corps enduring core values of Courage, Honor, Commitment are defined by the way they are lived. GySgt. Duane Donovan lived his life guided by these values and will always remain one of The Few and The Proud. SFMF
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Memories and Condolences
for GySGT Donovan
3 Entries
Doreen J Plyler
December 2, 2022
I have many fond memories of Gunny Donovan when I worked at the Club System at Parris Island. He was the epitome of what a Marine should be! Prayers to the family and friends.
Marvin & Barbara Stanley
December 1, 2022
So sorry to hear of his passing. You all were good neighbors in Shell Point, SC. We missed you when you moved. Now we pray eternal rest & perpetual Light for GySgt. Donovan and pray God comforts his family with peace, strength, courage, and trust in God's Promises.
MSgt Donald Coffin, USMC(Ret)
November 27, 2022
Duane was truly an exceptional individual and fantastic Marine. He is one of those individuals that only come along once in a lifetime. We interacted at MCRD and MCB, Quantico. May his family know that they are in my thoughts and prayers.
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