Norman Lee Donovan, lifelong Milton resident
Norman Lee Donovan, 84, of Milton, passed away peacefully at home Monday, April 2, 2018.
Norman was born in Milton, son of the late Howard L. and Mary Elizabeth (Parker) Donovan.
As a young man, Norman enjoyed football and played right tackle for Milton High School. He was chosen by the editors of the Delaware Coast Press for All-State, First Team, in the Dec. 14, 1950 edition of the newspaper. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving four years in Fairbanks, Alaska, and Yuma, Ariz., and receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of staff sergeant. After his military service he worked as a self-employed master electrician in the area for many years.
Norman was a member of Goshen U.M. Church, very active in the Milton Lions Club and coached Milton Little League baseball. He was also a member of The Investment Club. He had a love for restoring antique cars and was a member of the Antique Car Club, participating in local parades. He had a passion for Buicks, and you would often find him and Caroline heading across the United States in one of his Buicks enjoying the sights and sounds across the country, even driving all the way to Alaska for their 50th anniversary. On his Alaska adventure they posted a Sussex County and Milton, Delaware sign on the Alcan Highway showing his love for his home town.
In addition to his parents, Howard and Mary, Norman was preceded in death by a daughter, Cheryl Donovan; and his beloved granddad, Charles Donovan.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Caroline (Clendaniel) Donovan; three children, Linda Beebe and husband Kirk, Lauren Vanaman and husband Walter, and Charles Lee Donovan and wife Kristin; 12 grandchildren, Craig Beebe (Erin), Ryan Beebe (Kristin), Matthew Beebe (Sarah), Lee Vanaman (Ashley), Sarah Vanaman Clendening (Frank), Taylor Donovan, Macy Donovan, Kristina Donovan, Michaela Donovan, Ethan Stetler, Colin Stetler and Hadyn Stetler; five great-grandchildren, Shane Beebe, Joshua Beebe, Andrew Beebe, Kirk Beebe, and Baby Boy Vanaman due in June; a sister, Betty Black; cousins Jane Collins and David "Ducky" Donovan and their families; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
A funeral service will be held at noon, Friday, April 6, at Crossroad Community Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, with visitation after 11 a.m. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norman's memory are suggested to Crossroad Community Church at the above address, or Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.
Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Inc., Milton.
