Chief Master Sergeant Michael P. Donoven (Ret.)

Unknown - Aug 3rd, 2010

Birth Date: Unknown
Death Date: Aug 3, 2010
Funeral Date: Unknown
Location:
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Biography: Chief Master Sergeant Michael P. Donoven (Ret.) of Sherwood, Arkansas died peacefully August 3, 2010 at the Veteran’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was attended by his wife, Katherine Donoven. Chief Donoven was born March 9, 1960 in St. Louis Missouri to Carol and Thomas Donoven. The Chief was honorably retired from active duty in the United States Air Force after 25 years of service on June 9, 2010 at Kadena Air Force Base, Japan where he served as the 18th Mission Support Group Superintendent. He grew up in Cedar Hill Missouri where he loved to spend his time on the river. He was an Honor graduate of Basic Military Training, winner of the 1988 John L. Levitow Award from the Non Commissioned Officer Preparatory Course and a distinguished graduate from the Non Commissioned Officers Academy. He was loved. He will be missed. We will see him again. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Donoven; a son, Keith M. Donoven; two daughters, Amanda N. Donoven and Sarah K. Donoven all of Sherwood; his parents, Carol Ferguson of Houston, Texas and Tom Donoven of Indiana; brothers, Dan Donoven, of Sherwood, Ricky Donoven, Gene Donoven, and Jimmie Donoven all from Texas; sisters, Kathy DeSpain and Jackie Phallon both from Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his beloved stepfather Richard Ferguson. We will celebrate Mike's life and his service to his United States Air Force. The funeral with full military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday August 7, 2010 at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church at 4823 Woodlawn Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, officiated by Reverend Jeff Hampton. A celebration gathering at the church will immediately follow the service. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery 1501 W. Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, AR, 72120 on Monday, August 9, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. There will be a general visitation at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205 on Friday, August 6, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. The family has requested that lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may honor Mike with memorial contributions to the Air Force Widow's Home (www.afenlistedwidows.org) 92 Sunset Lane, Shalimar, FL 33579 or the National Down Syndrome Society (www.ndss.org) 666 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10012.

Condolences(16)

Darren Hill

#16

Jan 16th, 2022 9:24 am

I was looking up people who had a big impact on my career and recently learned CMSgt Mike Donoven passed away several years ago. Mike was one of the smartest people I had the privilege working with. He always challenged me and pushed me to my potential. A great patriot and leader.

Donnie Sweatt

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I decided to look up some of my favorite people from my Air Force career. I can't believe he's gone. By far, he was the best leader and supervisor I've ever known. I still quote his wisdom to me to this day.

Ironically, I also returned to Little Rock. I will find his grave and give my respects one last time.

Truly a great man,

My sympathies.

SrA Farrell Dottin

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Learning about this while i'm out training for a deployment has saddened me greatly. Although i did not know Chief Donoven for very long, i learned that he was a great guy in the Kadena community. I was honored to lead the Honor Guard team at his retirement ceremony. Truly honored to have served with you.

Carol Ferguson

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Nothing can fill the void made by the passing of my amazing son, he was all you could ask for and more in a son. I will never forget him and will hold his memory ever in my heart. To his beloved Kattie, Keith, Amanda and Sarah remember I am here anytime you need me. Rest in peace son I love and miss you.

Kathy DeSpain

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

"Chief Donoven, is my brother. I could go on for days with stories and memories of Mike but I won't. Mike was an amazing man. I loved him with all of my heart. He expected nothing less then perfection in everything he did and in my eyes he was as close to perfect as anyone I know, well except when he danced. He would do this crazy Steve Martin move, I think just to embarrass me. If I could have him back he could dance like that anytime. In his eyes I will always be twelve and his little sis and he my bbro. I am going to miss our emails and his crazy texting. The last text I got from him he ended with I hate these devices, they show no emotions. Rest in Peace Big Brother, I love you and miss you dearly."

Keli Jacobi

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Katie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and cannot imagine the grief you must be feeling. Please know that through it all, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Keli

Greg and Nikki Henaire

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We are incredibly saddened and shocked to learn of Mike's passing. He was a friend to us and a mentor to all of us SNCOs within the Mission Support Group at Kadena AB in Okinawa. He mentored me and taught me what it is to be a Chief in the Air Force. He once told me that the difference between a Chief and everybody else is that, "you don't think or suppose things, you KNOW!" When I made Chief, he was the first one there to tell me that "you now KNOW!" I'll always remember him. His love for the Air Force was eclipsed by his love for his family, and that is inspiration for us all. Our thoughts and prayers go to him and his family.

Shannon Rector

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So sorry to hear of the passing of Chief Donoven. My thoughts and prayers are w/the Donoven family at this time. Rest in peace Chief!

Timothy

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Chief Donoven and I knew each other from my time spent working for the Wing IG team on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Japan. During exercises, he would visit what we called Hawk Control and no matter what time it was, he was always smiling. He definitely was the most profession person I have ever met and was quick to correct problems before they grew into something bigger. I never even knew he was sick, so it shocked me and saddened me at the same time. You will be missed by the tens of thousands you have touched in the United States Air Force.

Ben & Lauren Huff

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Chief Donoven, Mike, and I worked together at the 30th Mission Support Group at Vandenberg AFB California in 2006. Mike was a wonderful senior enlisted leader, mentor, and friend to the MSG and to me. I would call him a "peacemaker," because he knew how to get tough issues resolved by working face-to-face with people. Everyone I knew liked and respected Mike; he was an incredible leader and contributor to the United States Air Force, its airmen, and their families. Lauren and I are truly saddened by Mike's passing and at such an early point in a life well-lived. We pray for God's loving care, comfort and blessing upon Katie, Amanda, and Sarah at this difficult time and for years to come. Col (ret) Ben Huff

Dave Patterson

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mike was an inspiration to us all. It was a pleasure serving with him as a fellow Chief at Kadena. He will always be with us in the many Airmen he influenced and trained. My condolences go out to the family and friends, you will be in our prayers.

Yvette Rewis

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dearest Amanda We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers, We love you.

Aunt Yvette
Uncle Bobby

Corbett Myers (Keith's brother)

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

If Keith is a reflection of his father, he must have been a great man and leader.

Ellen Needham

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Mike was a co-worker at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. He always had a wonderful sense of humor, always ready to help anyone with any issue that arose and was our 'Go to' person. He will be sorely missed by everyone who has had the pleasure of working with or meeting him.

Sincerely
Ellen

richard yarberry

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

The Chief was in my sqaudron awhile back ago at Little Rock AFB ARK. Hard to believe he's gone. He was an instruemental part of our squadron. He served his country well and will be missed. I will put his family on my prayer list.

Dan Schroeder

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mike was a friend and ex-brother-inlaw. I knew Mike from his Cedar Hill days. I had always thought we'd meet again someday. Here's to you Mike. You will be missed.

Dan

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