Lawrence Donovan
Lawrence W. Donovan Ionia, Michigan Age 82, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2016. He was born January 18, 1934 in Ionia to Sylvia Donovan Collier and Renis Donovan. A nearly lifelong resident of Ionia, he attended Ionia High School, where he was a star baseball player. He graduated mid-year in 1952, when he signed by the Detroit Tigers. Over the next few years he lived or played in cities throughout the United States, Canada and Cuba as he advanced through their Minor League teams. In 1956 he married his hometown sweetheart, Carolynne, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Buffalo, New York, where he was currently playing with the Buffalo Bisons. He eventually achieved his dream, the Major League Detroit Tigers roster in 1957. He was successful at that level, but unfortunately sustained a career-ending injury during a game that season, and returned to Ionia. Larry supported his young growing family working hard at several jobs. He worked at the Michigan Reformatory, Berger Motor Company, and even drove a bus for the Ionia Public Schools. Larry always believed in the importance and power of education, and in spite of multiple jobs, attended Western Michigan University part-time, eventually receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. He continued his career with the Michigan Department of Corrections at a managerial level until his retirement. In his spare time through the years, Larry enjoyed gold, poker games, hunting and fishing, following the Tigers, and time with his family and several faithful dogs. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolynne, and his sister, Marie Donovan Arndt and husband Norm. He will be remembered always by his children and their spouses, Mary & Tom Livingston, Deborah Belcore, Kelley and Mike McClintock and Douglas and Mary Donovan. He was the proud grandfather of Katherine and Jack Livingston, Christopher nad Robert Belcore, Jennifer Spearling (Chris) and John William Hearld, Lia and Conor Donovan, as well as three great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation Thursday, April 7, from 4-7 P.M. at Lehman Funeral Home, Ionia.Obituary
Lawrence W. Donovan Ionia, Michigan Age 82, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2016. He was born January 18, 1934 in Ionia to Sylvia Donovan Collier and Renis Donovan. A nearly lifelong resident of Ionia, he attended Ionia High School, where he was a star baseball player. He graduated mid-year in 1952, when he signed by the Detroit Tigers. Over the next few years he lived or played in cities throughout the United States, Canada and Cuba as he advanced through their Minor League teams. In 1956 he married his hometown sweetheart, Carolynne, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Buffalo, New York, where he was currently playing with the Buffalo Bisons. He eventually achieved his dream, the Major League Detroit Tigers roster in 1957. He was successful at that level, but unfortunately sustained a career-ending injury during a game that season, and returned to Ionia. Larry supported his young growing family working hard at several jobs. He worked at the Michigan Reformatory, Berger Motor Company, and even drove a bus for the Ionia Public Schools. Larry always believed in the importance and power of education, and in spite of multiple jobs, attended Western Michigan University part-time, eventually receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. He continued his career with the Michigan Department of Corrections at a managerial level until his retirement. In his spare time through the years, Larry enjoyed gold, poker games, hunting and fishing, following the Tigers, and time with his family and several faithful dogs. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolynne, and his sister, Marie Donovan Arndt and husband Norm. He will be remembered always by his children and their spouses, Mary & Tom Livingston, Deborah Belcore, Kelley and Mike McClintock and Douglas and Mary Donovan. He was the proud grandfather of Katherine and Jack Livingston, Christopher nad Robert Belcore, Jennifer Spearling (Chris) and John William Hearld, Lia and Conor Donovan, as well as three great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation Thursday, April 7, from 4-7 P.M. at Lehman Funeral Home, Ionia.
Events
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