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Thomas Donovan Obituary
Thomas "Tom" Francis Donovan passed away peacefully at his home with his sister, Ann, by his side, on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, from a pulmonary embolism. He was born on Aug. 19, 1945, in Ft. Rucker, Alabama.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Elizabeth Jones Donovan; siblings, Kathleen Donovan and Joe Donovan; nephew, Shea Donovan; and his loving wife, Deb Sue of Fayetteville.
Tom graduated from St. Joseph School in Conway with the Class of 1962. He furthered his education by graduating with Honors from Hendrix College and earning his Juris Doctorate in Law from the University of Arkansas in 1973. He practiced law for many years, including serving as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for 8 years for Alex Streett. He also served on The Election Law Institute with the Honorable Tom Glaze, former Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice, which monitored voting laws in the State of Arkansas. He enjoyed all legal challenges and held true to his beliefs and principles.
Tom is survived by his children, Jim Crouch of Leadville, Colorado, Dr. Debby Pollack (Michael) of Decatur, Georgia, John Donovan (Michelle) of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Elizabeth Donovan of Little Rock; two step-children, Charlie Haight of Fayetteville and Adrienne Lowe of Greenland; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Ann Donovan of Fayetteville, Ginny (Tony) Baldridge of St Louis and Patty (David) Tackett of Hot Springs; and 11 nieces and nephews.
Tom served in the Army Reserves. He was an amazing storyteller, an avid reader of all genres, loved fishing and hunting, and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks.
He treasured all his longtime friendships, including his former law partner and friend, Ernie Witt.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway, Arkansas, on Saturday, Oct. 22. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. Private interment will follow the service, for the family at the St. Joseph Cemetery Columbarium.
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Memories and Condolences
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Lester Tomberlin, son of Lester and Fern
May 25, 2025
Tommy was the son of Francis and Libby, who were friends of my parents, and my family made the trip from Florida to visit the Donovan's and my Mother's relatives in the area. Tommy and I went on a double date. Tommy' sister Kathy came back to Florida for the summer.
Unfortunately I have not seen them since, but I think of them often.
My heartfelt sympathy goes to the Donovan family.
Tommy and i double dated even though he was about 4 years my senior.
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