Joseph M. Donovan, Sr., 65, of Shenandoah, passed away peacefully Sunday at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Francis Bowman, Barnesville, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born and raised in Shenandoah, April 23, 1952, a son of Catherine Hughes Donovan, Shenandoah Heights, and the late Joseph L. Donovan.

Joe was a 1969 graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan High School, Fountain Springs.

His entire working career of 47 years was spent as a truck driver on the road; he was last employed and retired from Walmart as a truck driver.

He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah formerly Annunciation BVM Church. Earlier in life, he was a drag racer at the Numidia Speedway. He was also an avid fisherman. Above all, Joe most cherished the time spent with family and friends and his loyal bichon canine, Sophie.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his father, were his wife, the former Ursula Printy, on May 9, 2003.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, Catherine "Kitty" Donovan, are a son, Joseph M. Donovan Jr. and his wife, Michele, Shenandoah; one daughter, Michelle Bowman and her husband, Francis, Barnesville; six grandchildren, Victoria, Angelena and Gianna Donovan, Joseph Donovan III, Aidan and Connor Bowman; two brothers, James Donovan and his wife, Kathy, Shenandoah Heights, and Edward Donovan and his wife, Diane, Shenandoah Heights; one sister, Mary Frances Parker and her husband, Richard, Frackville; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Divine Mercy Church, 232 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah. Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian, pastor, will officiate. Friends may call from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Divine Mercy Church. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah, is in charge of the arrangements.