He dedicated 34 years of his life to his community serving as a paramedic, firefighter, teacher, mentor, and policeman. Being a paramedic was his life and he had a deep commitment to helping others in need.
He was the owner and operator of his own ambulance service and sought to bring up-to-date and innovative care to rural Arkansas.
He shared his dedication by not only serving as a paramedic but sharing his knowledge as a teacher, educator, and mentor to aspiring EMTs, paramedics, police, and firefighters throughout the country.
David is preceded in death by daughter Isabella and grandparents Archie and Mabel Schmidt.
David is survived by the love of his life Kim Slaughter who loved him heart, mind, body, and soul of Monticello, AR. His father Jack Donovan ( Pat ) of Los Gatos, CA, son Daniel Donovan of Melbourne AR, daughter Jamie Ogle of Melbourne, AR, son in law Rex Ogle of Oxford, AR, son Clark Butler ( Tuesday ) of Monticello, AR, brother Frank Donovan ( Deborah ) of Broussard, LA, sister Elizabeth Johnson ( Larry ) of Kimberling, MO. He is survived by a cousin who is loved more than a brother Dan Becker and a loving supportive extended family of Mervyn and LaVerna Becker and children. He is survived by 11 grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
"I did to much too fast in my life. God was through with me before I was ready."
- David Donovan
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Rock Springs Cemetery. Family visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(12)
Bob & Sylvia Davis
Little Rock, AR Friday, July 19, 2019 Sorry for your loss. Praying God's comfort for the family.Sibby & Bob
Friends of Kim Slaughter
Clarice BaILEY
Minneapolis, MN Thursday, July 18, 2019 David you came back into my life at a very pivotal time. You were there for me many times as I was for you. I enjoyed our conversations from afar, the tears, laughter and of course political arguments, sharing personal stories and getting through life's challenges together, but mostly the love we shared. I am forever grateful to you. You also introduced me to the most beautiful and loving woman, your other half, KIm. You have been a bright light in my life and have so lovingly reached out to my mother who loves you dearly and deeply. David, you will be forever missed. You may not have known, but you were like a brother to me, love forever cousin! (I know you were secretly a liberal at heart) :) Kim you will always be family and I am here for you, love, ClariceBurl Copeland
Sherwood, AR Thursday, July 18, 2019 Just found out David has passed, I am so sorry to hear this. I been in Ems for 29 years and would occasionally see him and have a good conversation. Rip David😔Larry & Lana Hurt (NE OK PGR)
Colcord, OK Thursday, July 18, 2019 May your memories & God's love bring you peace, comfort & strength at this difficult time. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal but LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal. Death takes the body. God takes the soul. Our mind holds the memories. Our heart keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again.Tanya Richard Burgess
, AR Thursday, July 18, 2019 I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words for comfort or peace, but I will keep u in my prayers for that. I love you Kim, and family.Paige Stell
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Kim - you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult days ahead. I know how much you love David and can only imagine how difficult this is right now.Love,
Paige
Frank Donovan
Broussard, LA Wednesday, July 17, 2019 I am so PROUD that David was my brother!!! He was hard working to the point of selflessly giving up his health and well being to help people that needed his help. He started working a full time job at 16 and never looked back, one heck of a chef and an awesome EMT selflessly giving himself to the numerous victims that relied on him day in and day out to save their lives.David, after saving so many people you were unable to save yourself from the ravages of cancer, you never gave up but it stole your life at the end... PROUD OF YOU MY BROTHER!
Shaun Perry
Dermott, AR Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Love and respect as a fellow law officer and someone who worked on a truck as an emt with him. Godspeed David!BECKY RAULS
WARREN, AR Tuesday, July 16, 2019 Kim, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.Robin Hawkins -Cook
Dermott, AR Monday, July 15, 2019 Words can't express how heavy my heart is... David was truly one of a kind... Work on the truck with him for 10years+ ... We/He became family... Our heartfelt condolences to the families... God knows best...Robin Hawkins -Cook
Dermott, AR Monday, July 15, 2019 Words can't express how heavy my heart is... David was truly one of a kind... Work on the truck with him for 10years+ ... We/He became family... Our heartfelt condolences to the families... God knows best...Natalie Finks
, AR Monday, July 15, 2019 My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.