Thomas Donovan (Tom)

Thomas Cornelius Donovan (Tom), beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and dedicated community member, passed away on January 23, 2025, in Walla Walla, Washington, at the age of 86. He was born on August 29, 1938, to John and Edna Donovan, who preceded him in death along with his cherished wife, Phyllis Donovan, and his sister, Carol Richards.

Tom's life was a rich tapestry woven with hard work, and a commitment to his family and community. Tom married the love of his life, Phyllis Adele Preston, on February 16, 1957, in Walla Walla. Together, they created a home and a legacy on the family farm on Sudbury Road, where Tom would continue to cultivate not just the land, but also deep-rooted family values and traditions.

Tom had a profound connection to agriculture, having worked on the family farm throughout his youth. In 1960, he and Phyllis leased the family farm from his parents, and in 1967, they incorporated the wheat, cattle and hay operation as JTD Ranches. Tom's dedication to farming was evident as he later acquired full interest in the ranch, managing it along with his children, with great care and commitment until his passing.

His contributions extended far beyond the farm. A dedicated member of several organizations, Tom was a lifetime member of the Elks, Knights of Columbus, Wagon Wheelers, WW County Cattlemen, He served as a WW Fair Board Director and a term on the Frenchtown Board of Directors. He was also a member of the WW Kennel Club.

He served on the Board of Directors for the Wagon Wheelers, where he was instrumental in facilitating wilderness camp trips for youth and adult members. He actively participated in horse racing events, he also participated on the Wagon Wheeler's Mounted Sheriff's Posse and volunteered for many years with the WW County Sheriff's office.

While his children participated in High School rodeo, Tom with his wife Phyllis were Wa-Hi Rodeo Team Advisers. They traveled over many states with the team, acting as instructor, advisor, parent, chaperone and transportation for many of the team members. He also served as a State Director for the High School Rodeo Assoc.

Tom was a member of WA Cattlemen's Association and actively participated in the Walla Walla County Cattlemen's association. He served as a director on the WW County Cattlemen board from 1970-1996. He held the office of president in 1978-79. Tom was one of four Cattlemen members to start the WW Cattlemen's Youth Market Sale in 1965. He solicitated community businesses to purchase the kids' animals, he sought out and organized floor (market) buyers and he hauled animals to their destinations. Tom continued to volunteer throughout the years with the Youth Market Sale. He also helped organize and facilitate the annual Cattlemen's banquet. Taking a lead role in acquiring the caterer and selling tickets to the event. He was recognized for selling the most tickets to the banquet for many years. He was an active volunteer in the Cattlemen's association until his death.

As a young man, Tom participant in the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days in 4H/FFA and rodeo events. He was the first man to carry and present the American flag in the rodeo arena on horseback. He worked the horse races as an outrider and handler. Tom served on the Board of Directors for the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days from 1977-1986. He continued to support the fair for many years after his term on the Fair board was completed. Tom and his wife Phyllis were chosen as the 2007 Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days Parade Marshals.

Tom was an accomplished horseman and teamster. he spent years training horses for ranch work, rodeo and racing. He also trained many horse and mule teams, often utilized those teams for ranch operations. Tom enjoyed packing with horses and mules. He was the official packer for many hunting and camping trips with his family, friends and Wagon Wheelers. Tom enjoyed his mules and often used them at local brandings.

Those that knew him well would say he was tough man to do business with, very straight forward but always good to his word.

He leaves behind a legacy of dedication and community service. He is survived by his sister Sharon Colley, brother Mike Donovan and his children; Kevin Donovan (Becky), Kim Donovan (Robert Little), and Kellie Donovan, who carry forth his values and passion. He will be missed by his grandchildren: Thomas Donovan, Marissa Mueller, Cody Mueller, Tyler Casebier, Justin (Elizabeth) Casebier and his great-granddaughter Cassandra Casebier, and special friend Deanna Palmer. He will also be missed by others whose lives he impacted and contributed to.

In lieu of flowers, Tom's family encourages donations in his memory to the Walla Walla County Cattlemen's youth programs through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.