Paul Lucius Donovan

Paul Lucius Donovan, age 85, of Beaver City, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, of Cambridge, Nebraska. He was born on March 20, 1929 in Phillipsburg, Kansas to Francis & Mamie (Lyon) Donovan. Paul attended high school in Briggsdale, Colorado where he also helped his father with ranch work. After high school, Paul signed up for the U.S. Army. He served over two years during World War II in Sendai, Japan. He served as a military policeman and performed general duties in the enforcement of law and order. He received parachutist’s badge, expert M1 rifle, and WWII victory medal and army occupation medal in Japan. After his honorable discharge, he moved to Denver, Colorado for work. This is where he met his wife, Shirley Anderson. Paul then went to Leadville, Colorado to work in the mines. They were married on May 14, 1950 and celebrated their 64th anniversary this year. To this union were born Patricia, Jeanette, Jim, Debra, and John. In the following years, Paul had several careers. He farmed in Hudson, Colorado and was also a building contractor. His next venture was owning and managing a motel in Grand Junction, Colorado. Paul & Shirley owned a trading post in Fort Thompson Canyon, at Estes Park, Colorado. After moving to Montrose, Colorado were they had a mobile home and R.V. park. Then moving to Mobridge, South Dakota to run a fishing resort, where he loved to fish for walleye. Along with most of these ventures, Paul also enjoyed his antique business. In 2003, he retired and moved to Beaver City, Nebraska. Most of his life, Paul attended the Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Mike Donovan, and sister Lois Grouns. He is survived by wife: Shirley Donovan of Beaver, City, Nebraska Daughters: Patricia Guerrero of Beaver City, Nebraska Jeanette Allen of Grand Junction, Colorado Debra Donovan of Grand Junction, Colorado Sons: Jim & wife Sally Donovan of Beaver City, Nebraska John & wife Anita Donovan of Beaver City, Nebraska Brother: Clyde Donovan of Wichita, Kansas Sister: Stella & husband Merle Cheek of Maxwell, Nebraska Eilleen Nass of Mankato, Minnesota Mamie & husband Marvin Johnson of George Iowa. 18 Grandchildren & 18 Great Grandchildren Condolences or personal reflections can be left at wenburguneralhome.com There will be a private family viewing and visitation. Private family Funeral services will be at a later date with burial at Wilsonville Cemetery, Wilsonville, Nebraska. Wenburg Funeral Home, of Beaver City, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.