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Murray, Donovan L.
teen years, he and his family moved into a small house his father built on the Wapsipinicon River. Donovan earned the rank of Eagle Scout while a member of Boy Scout Troop 44. He met Judy Cole, the love of his life, while helping on a neighboring farm. After graduating from high school in Central City in 1955, Donovan enlisted in the United States Navy. He and Judy were married Oct. 21, 1961, in Pecatonica, Ill.
Donovan retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer in 1976 after 20 years of service. As an OM2, he received a commendation for inventing and fabricating a periscope alignment tool which was supplied to all submarine tenders in the Navy.
Donovan maintained a spirit of innovation and creative problem-solving throughout his life. After his Navy retirement, he worked as a contract machinist in the aircraft industry. Eventually, he designed and oversaw construction of the log home he had always dreamed of, right next door to his family home on the Wapsi.
A man of precise words, Donovan took great joy in family and close friends. He cultivated his love of the outdoors in all his children and grandchildren.
He was a member of American Legion Post 421, the FRA, and the Violin Society of America.
In his second retirement, Donovan began to nurture his lifelong interest in violins and classical music. He spent countless hours in his basement shop, where he handcrafted violins and repaired numerous violins, bows and other stringed instruments. He also invented, patented and fabricated violin shoulder rests. Donovan appreciated the look, feel and sound of a well-made violin, and he shared this love with his family.
Those who knew and loved Donovan will always remember him as a gentle man with a keen intellect and a marvelous, offbeat sense of humor that never failed him, even in his final days.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 9 a.m. at Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Central City. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow immediately at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Instead of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
Please sign the online guest book for Donovan at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
Published Oct. 28, 2012 in The Gazette
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