Humberto Donavan

December 9, 1943 to October 13, 2018

Humbe “Bert” Donavan was born in Laredo Texas to Francisco and Juana G. Donovan.

Humbe graduated from Martin High School where he and his longtime friends formed a band known as the famous “Rondels” in the early sixties. The band was known for what was one of Humbe’s favorite songs “Lo Muncho Que te Quiero.” The band was inducted into the Martin High School Music Hall of Fame March 30, 2012. In his last days this song along with his other favorite song “Little Green Apples” the song he would play when he would have a date with then who became the love of his life for the next 50 years, Jane Flores Donavan. In his last days both of these songs were requested multiple times as his family sat around him and watched him play his “air guitar and drums.”

Humbe then made the courageous decision to go and serve his country. He enlisted in the Marines for the next 4 years which included a tour to Vietnam. Some will notice that Humbe’s last name is spelled differently than his parents. When he was a young intimidated Marine in boot camp, he was “yelled” at to sign some papers. His Sergeant inadvertently changed the “O” in Donovan to an “A” in Donavan, and that simple mistake stayed with him forever….After returning from Vietnam, civilian life was attempted but his heart was dedicated to being able to serve his country.

The next 18 years he completed multiple deployments on air craft carriers with the United States Navy. His last and longest deployment was on the USS Ranger.

He retired from his committed years to the Navy and still wasn’t ready for retirement life. From 1989 to 2004 he worked as a Private Security Guard and then from 2004-2016 he finished his security career as a Sergeant for Valley View Casino and Hotel. It was here that he loved his job and had an unwavering work ethic and was loved by many.

He is preceded in death by his mother Juana G. Donovan, father Francisco Donovan, brothers Andy, Hector and Xavier Donovan.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years Janie Donavan, children and grandchildren Frank Perez (Angie Perez), Gilbert Donavan (Catalina Donavan), Valerie Donavan and Celeste Donavan. His seven grandchildren, Manuel and Breana Donavan, Amanda Perez Cole (Nathan Cole), Isabella Perez, Evette Donavan, Raymond Tarango (Sonia Tarango) and Sara Grace Donavan. Great Grandson Giovani “Papa’s” Valenzuela (7 yrs. old) who every single morning before school…made sure that Grandpa was “OK” before he left. “Papa’s” also always made sure that Grandpa’s hair was combed and that his temperature was taken every night before bed….He leaves behind his brother Lloyd Donovan (Yvette Donovan) and sister Beatriz Doncaster (Eric Doncaster) and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Humbe will be laid to rest on October 29, 2018 at Miramar National Cemetery with full Navy Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Elizabeth Hospice. They can be sent by mail to Elizabeth Hospice

500 La Terraza Blvd. #130

Escondido, CA 92025

Or to their website elizabethhospice.org locate the icon DONATE NOW and donate in memory of Humberto Donavan.