Thomas Kent Donovan, Sr.
Dr. Thomas Kent Donovan, Sr., 85, of Rossville, Georgia, formerly of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his residence on April 12, 2025.
Dr. Donovan was born on Febr. 21, 1940, to Kenneth and Genevieve Donovan in Sioux City, Iowa.
Dr. Donovan spent his early years in Sioux City, Iowa, Johnson City, Tn., Sheffield, Al., and Tupelo, Ms. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at The University of Mississippi. After graduating from Ole Miss, he married his college sweetheart, Barbara Ann Elder. Dr. Donovan began his professional career in Chattanooga, working for TVA. The couple welcomed two children, Kent and Laura, while in Chattanooga. The Donovan family relocated to Baltimore, Md., where Tom attended John’s Hopkins University and received his doctorate degree. The couple later returned to Chattanooga, which became their hometown. Dr. Donovan’s career continued to grow as he became a consultant working throughout the US. His work gave him the opportunity to visit and share the USA with those he loved most- his family. Dr. and Mrs. Donovan were instrumental in the growth and development of the Chattanooga Zoo and the Chattanooga Ballet. After the passing of Mrs. Donovan in 2008, Dr. Donovan continued to be active in the zoo as well as the ballet.
Dr. Donovan was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Clark Donovan and Genevieve Clift Donovan, his wife, Barbara Ann Elder Donovan and their beloved Chihuahua, Freckles.
He is survived by his son, Thomas Kent (Kathy) Donovan, Jr. of Millsboro, Delaware, daughter Laura (Jeff) Smith of Whitwell, Tennessee, grandchildren, Thomas Donovan III, Hannah (Nicholas) Kujawa, Summer (Sean) Walsh, Christopher Donovan, Rachel Smith and great grandchildren, Ryker & Sutton Kujawa.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Chattanooga Zoo.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 3. Please contact a family member for details.