Ronald Ernest Donovan

Ronald E. Donovan, 89, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away September 19, 2023. Ron was born June 10th, 1934, in Indianapolis to the late George and Marceline Donovan. Ron married Charlene D. Heeringa on November 8th, 1952. Their marriage became the definition of true love and commitment to each other for almost seventy-one years.

Ron went through the Indianapolis Public School System and graduated from Howe High School in 1952. He went to work for the New York Central Railroad as a fireman that same year until 1954 when he joined the United States Marine Corp. with his brother David. Ron and David went through boot camp together. Ron was sent to Okinawa, Japan to finish his Marine Corp. tour. He proudly served until 1956 when he was honorably discharged. He was welcomed home by Charlene and his first-born child, Scott, whom he had never seen and was by then 8 months old. His second child Steve, arrived in 1957 who was then followed by his third son, Phil in 1960. In 1962, Ron left the railroad and began work at Eli Lilly and Co. In 1969 Ron and Charlene were blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Carol. Ron went on to finish his career with Eli Lilly and Co. as a sales representative for their capsule division. He retired in 1992 after 30 years of service.

Ron set an example for his children by always putting others before himself, being compassionate and caring for all that he met, and he always helped those who were in need. He also taught his children to work hard and that if you went to work for someone at an agreed salary, then you owed it to them to accomplish whatever task that was presented.

Ron was a member of the Pleasant Masonic Lodge #134 and the Southport Methodist Church. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and camping with his children as they were growing up and beyond. His passion for Indiana University Basketball and “The General” Bob Knight, was unmatched.

Ron is survived by his wife, Charlene, Scott (Cathy), Steve (Dena), Phil (Becky), Carol Bishop (John), nine grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents George, Marceline, and brothers David, Gerald, and Dannie.

A graveside service will be held at Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30th, 2023. A funeral procession will begin at the entrance to Washington Park just prior to the service. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the service at the Fatima Event Center, 1040 N. Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN until 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers and memory gifts, the family requests that donations be made to any the following organizations:

The Alzheimer’s Association (and Dementia)- https://www.alz.org/

National Bleeding Disorders Foundation- https://www.hemophilia.org/

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society- https://www.lls.org/

Services have been entrusted to Little & Sons Funeral Home - Indianapolis.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.littleandsonsindianapolis.com for the Donovan family.