Donavin Rey Gallegos

Donavin Rey Gallegos was born on June 27th, 2006 in Columbus, Ohio. He passed away on June 27th, 2024, on his 18th birthday. Donavin was brought into this world by his mother, Maria Jackson, and his father, Richard Gallegos. Like many families, his parents began to teach and guide him into becoming an exemplary person, but Donavin was also doing some teaching of his own. Donavin taught those around him how to love deeper, laugh harder, and how to expand upon their thought process. Donavin was a true scholar and avid reader. The person who got to experience his joy, create beautiful memories with, and look up to him the most is his younger brother, Jordan Gallegos. While Donavin only had one biological brother, his personality and compassion made him a brother to his cousins as well. Those cousins are: Cynthia (Raymond D. III), Reagan (Chase B.), Naomi, Xavier, Trevon, Makayla, Myah, Joseiah, Carsyn, Judah, Zoa, and Raymond IV. Many people say ‘it takes a village’, but in Donavin’s family, that village came naturally. His birth and life impacted not only his parents, but the lives of those who raised and grew with them as well. Donavin was heavily supported and loved by many family members through their roles as great grandparents: Thomas Collins Sr. (Anne), and Marcia Jackson (Charles deceased), grandparents: Thomas Collins Jr ( Irene), George Gallegos Sr. (Guadalupe) (deceased), aunts and uncles: Thomas Collins III (Ciera), Tomia Collins, Bradley Collins (Kaylah), George Gallegos Jr. (Cassandra), Sandra Gallegos, & Victoria Gallegos (Joshua W.) Through his parents' partnerships, he gained loving relationships with Philip Jackson, Dominique Jones and her kids Tamia, Kameron, and Amiyah. Donavin quickly demonstrated the ability to not only capture attention when he entered a room, but to brighten the room with his light. Whether he was in the classroom, on the game or at a loved one’s house, Donavin was always his genuine self: confident, ready to make a joke, and always aiming for growth. Donavin has left an everlasting impact on many lives, including his closest friends: Dylan Decker, Mike Munsungu, Olivia Sopraseuth, the Periano family, Chloe Duru, Ahmad Timbo, Samer Idris, Nathan Ceferratti, Mason Martin, and many more.The service to honor Donavin’s life will be held Friday, July 5th from 10am- 1pm at the Schoedinger East Funeral and Cremation Service, 5360 E, Livingston Ave. Columbus, OH 43232. To know Donavin Rey Gallegos is a blessing that many people share, and to have witnessed him in all his glory is an honor we all will cherish for the rest of our lives.