Daniel Jay Donovan

Daniel Jay Donovan, 87, of Manila, passed from this life Saturday, June 29, 2024, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. Born and raised in Austin, Minn., he was a graduate of St. Augustine High School and the son of the late Willard and Rose Lane Donovan. Following high school his family moved to New Mexico where he later joined the United States Air Force. While serving in the Air Force he was assigned to photography. Not only his expertise in photography, but his skill in setting up photo labs resulted in Dan being stationed at numerous bases throughout the country. While stationed in Blytheville, the base commander started a horseback riding club and invited local people to participate. It was at the first meeting of the club that Dan met Trigger Wall, his wife Jenella, daughter Linda, and son Rande of Manila. This family was destined to become Dan’s family. Together they formed their own riding club and built an arena in Manila and held rodeos for many years. In 1980 Dan and Linda were married. As a young man Dan took one art class and years later that passion would resurface. He became a well known artist and eventually sold over 200 paintings. Several of his works still hang in the City Depot Museum and other businesses and locations throughout Manila. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Linda Wall Donovan of Manila; two daughters, Erin Deutsch of Maineville, Ohio, and Tammy Walker of Manila.

Funeral services will be private with burial in the family plot of the Manila Cemetery. The family prefers any memorials be made to the Manila Cemetery, c/o City of Manila, 214 N Baltimore, Manila, AR 72442. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.