of St. Louis, MO passed away on March 22, 2026 at the age of 79. Butch was born on July 23, 1946 in Boston, Massachusetts to Marie (Toenjes) and Joseph Donovan, Sr. He was united in marriage to Patricia (Mattingly) on November 30, 1972 in St. Louis, MO.

Butch was a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served our country during Vietnam. He worked as an auto mechanic. Butch was a strong-willed man who lived his life on his own terms. He enjoyed the outdoors, starting tomato plants from seed and caring for his garden. He enjoyed building birdhouses and feeding the birds. Butch could often be found splitting firewood or mowing grass. He loved being able to live in his childhood home on Yaeger Road and wouldn't have had it any other way.  

Butch had a taste for adventure. He loved driving and would often wander, exploring new places. When he wasn't able to drive anymore he would often be seen cruising up and down Yaeger Road on his scooter, grabbing Taco Bell in the drive through on Telegraph. Butch loved a wide variety of music, from George Jones to Lawrence Welk and John Philip Sousa. 

Butch will be remembered for his determination and humor. Those who knew and loved Butch understood that his gruffness was just part of the package and you could either take it or leave it.

Butch is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children: Angie Hardcastle and Joe (Amy) Donovan of Pacific MO, Katie Donovan of Beaufort MO, Kellie (Bill) Lyon of San Antonio TX and Bill (Lori) Donovan of Eureka MO; his grandchildren: Jeremy (Meagan), Lillian and Vivian Hardcastle, Thomas Donovan, Hannah Ming, Megan and Jack Donovan, Liam and Hazel Lyon, Ruby, Scarlett and Frank Donovan; his siblings; his sisters and brother in law; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends. 

Butch was proceeded in death by his parents, Joe and Marie; his father and mother in law Elmer and Angela Mattingly and his son in law Phillip Hardcastle.