Raymond Donovan

Raymond Joseph Donovan

Age 72 of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022 at AMITA St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born May 24, 1949, Raymond Joseph is a son of Mary Ann Donovan of Frankfort and the late Thomas Henry Donovan. He was raised in Oak Lawn, attended St. Laurence High School and graduated from Oak Lawn High School. Raymond went on to honorably serve in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam Conflict, where he served two tours as a Field Radio Operator. It was during this time he earned a Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a Rifle Marksman Badge. Following his discharge he later furthered his education at Moraine Valley Community College, as well as DeVry Institute of Technology. Throughout the years, Raymond worked for Midwest Emery Freight Systems, Glen Electric in Mokena and Relco Locomotive in Minooka before lastly being employed with St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington. He was a member of St. Rose and belonged to Will County Sportsman’s Club, Lake Will in Wilmington.

One who loved the outdoors, Raymond enjoyed fishing, hunting and vegetable gardening. He loved electronics and could repair nearly anything. Raymond was a lover of animals both domestic and wild, and will be remembered as a great jokester. Above all, he cherished family and was a proud “papa”.

Survivors include his wife Carolyn; six children: Laurel Donovan of Australia, Rachel (David) Kovach of Joliet, Jason (Tiana) Donovan of Wilmington, Tim (Venessa) Babcock and Patrick Tibble, both of Coal City, and Jeannie (Andrew) Argenta of Wilmington; (16) grandchildren: Samantha DeSonia, David Kovach III, Alicea Warriner, Marjorie Donovan, Tarissa Warriner, Lucas Donovan, Ryan Donovan, Ashlyn Warriner, T.J. Babcock, Zackary Babcock, Emmaline Tibble, Patrick Tibble Jr., Matthew Tibble, Andrew Argenta Jr., Caden Argenta and Rosie Argenta; his mother Mary Ann Donovan; (10) siblings: Kevin (Cindy) Donovan of Joliet, Therese (Barry) Bernier of Texas, Sharon (Ken) Johnson and Maureen Laslie, both of Florida, Kathy (Eddie) Vargas of New Lenox, Colleen (Rick) Grabenhofer of Mokena, Irene (Pat) Cavanaugh of Midlothian, Joseph Donovan of Frankfort, Brian Donovan of Joliet, and Darren (Jennifer) Donovan of Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Donovan; first wife, Mary Ellen, and three siblings: Leonard Donovan, Mary Kay Donovan-Smith and Donna Maddix.

Visitation will be held at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Monday, January 24, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral service 11:30 a.m. Deacon Jay Plese from St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington will preside.

Due to the current conditions of the pandemic, the family encourages those wishing to attend to consider participating in the services virtually. The funeral will be live-streamed beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Monday morning or available on-demand after the scheduled service, by logging onto the following link: RAYMOND DONOVAN FUNERAL SERVICE

Burial with military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Raymond’s Memorial Page.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)