Obituaries detail

Dr. David Burton Donovan

Dr. David Burton Donovan died on January 21,2025, after a hard-fought battle with esophageal cancer. He was born November 1,1956, in Merced, California to CMS Daniel Joseph Donovan and Reba Browner Donovan.

 

David graduated from Minot, N.D. high school and pursued his Doctor of Psychology at the University Missouri Kansas City, of which he was awarded the UMKC Distinguished Alumni honor. He was a member of the KC Psychoanalytic Association and a founding member of the Greater KC Psychoanalytic Film Series. Prior to having his own practice David served the Wyandot Mental Health Center and CenterPoint Medical Center. David’s work and life philosophy was "create a life that feels good on the inside, not one that just looks good on the outside."

 

David was immersed in all forms of the arts in Kansas City and served on the boards of the KC Ballet, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company, Moving Arts Theatre (formerly KC Dance Festival) and the Society of Fellows Board at the Nelson Atkins Museum.

 

David was the Ultimate Uncle to his nieces and nephews and countless other children whose lives he touched. David is survived by his mother Reba Donovan; brother Daniel (Gail) Donovan; sister Dawn Donovan Felchle; sister-in-law Kathryn Donovan and many extended family members and friends whom he loved dearly. David was preceded in death by his father Daniel and brother Derek.

 

In lieu of flowers, if you knew David because of his volunteer work in the community, please make a memorial gift to that organization or any charity of your choice.

 

Family visitation will be at 4:30pm followed by a service at 5:00pm on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7851 W. 119th St., Overland Park, Kansas.

Additional Service:
Visitation
Location:
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Address:
7851 W. 119th St.
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66213
Date of Service:
Feb 07, 2025
Time of Service:
4:30 PM
Additional Information:

Family visitation will be at 4:30pm followed by a service at 5:00pm on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7851 W. 119th St., Overland Park, Kansas.

Google Map:
Additional Service:
Memorial Service
Location:
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Address:
7851 W. 119th St.
City:
Overland Park
State:
KS
Zip Code:
66213
Date of Service:
Feb 07, 2025
Time of Service:
5:00 PM
Additional Information:

Family visitation will be at 4:30pm followed by a service at 5:00pm on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7851 W. 119th St., Overland Park, Kansas.

Google Map:

Condolences

Jill and Anthony Krutzamp Jan 28, 2025

Friends ,Sacramento ,California

Our deepest condolences go to family and Friends of David during this time. Anthony and founded Moving Arts (formerly, Kansas City Dance Festival) in 2013. David was pivotal to not only getting Moving Arts off the ground, but supporting us throughout our tenure ship as leaders and supporters of KC's summer dance company. Dr. D also helped me personally when I went through a difficult time in life when retiring from ballet. We will always cherish a number of dinner party memories, fun trips and many many many laughs. We love you David and we hope you are resting in peace.

Brad and Carla Haag Jan 28, 2025

We are thinking of your family, praying that your memories offer comfort during this very sad time. Brad and Carla Haag

Molly green Jan 29, 2025

Friend/client ,Farley ,Missouri

David was my friend and led me the three and a half’s years to my husbands death I will miss him forever Kind, joyful, insightful, brilliant Friend Molly

Rebecca Smith Jan 30, 2025

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Our twenty or so years knowing David are filled with evenings laughing, interacting, enjoying performances and enlivening ourselves with great food and cocktails (David was the master). With personal guidance often added in. David had a real presence in our lives. A beautiful female cardinal stopped (a real rarity) on my balcony soon after I heard that David was gone and now I will feel him every time I see one.

Chris Locke Jan 30, 2025

Client/friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

David was my doctor and friend. He helped me through some difficult times for which I am forever grateful. Peace to you my dear friend. We miss you and all our love to you, Chris.

Howard Trilling Jan 30, 2025

Close friend of our family ,KC ,Missouri

I am so sorry for the loss of a great and loved friend. David was a big supporter of my late wife Gerry and her art. David made a trip to New York to be at our Granddaughter’s Bat Mitzah. He was full of life and had a great time . At some level I would like to believe that Gerry and David have reconnected. The dance community will miss him as he supported all the local companies and got me involved as well . I only hope the family can get some pride in knowing how many people he helped through his career and friends. Howard Trilling

Dana M Seeley Jan 31, 2025

Friend ,Pleasant Valley ,Missouri

David was a gem. I knew him through the dance community, and he was always one of the kindest, warmest persons I have encountered. He will be missed by so many, and his memory will be treasured by all who knew him.

Gayle Hobbs Feb 03, 2025

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

My sincere condolences to all the friends, family and lucky individuals who were blessed knowing David. A wise helper, true individual, exemplary therapist, and special in ways difficult to describe but easy to feel. I will miss knowing he’s there. Love to all those that supported and loved him. Gayle Hobbs

Matthew Donnell Feb 04, 2025

Former KC Ballet dancer ,Cary ,North Carolina

David was always a kind and gentle presence, and his support and care has stayed with me long past my tenure with the ballet. I send all my love. Rest peacefully.

Aisling DiRico Feb 04, 2025

Friend from KCBallet ,Austin ,Texas

I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. He was such an amazing person inside and out. I knew him from when I was dancing for the KC Ballet. He truly loved us all and was our biggest supporter. Even after I retired from dancing he kept in touch and checked in on me. I send my deepest condolences to his whole family. Love, Aisling DiRico (Hill-Connor)

Nadia Dalida Feb 04, 2025

Friend/former KC Ballet dancer ,Asheville ,North Carolina

I remember David opening his home and hosting gatherings for KC ballet dancers many years back. It gave him joy to serve others and always offered a listening ear. Sending my deepest condolences to his family. Prayers for strength as you navigate the waves of grief, now and ahead. Nadia Dalida (Iozzo)

Mary pat Henry Feb 04, 2025

Artistic Director of Wylliams/Henry Dance

David was kind, brilliant and generous man. He will be dearly missed by his friends and colleagues. He made a difference in Kansas City in his field and with his patients. His love for the arts, inspired other people to appreciate the arts He served on the board of the Wylliams/Henry Dance Company and was such a supporter of the Kansas City Ballet and so many other arts organizations. He always had his big, warm welcoming smile and laugh. He helped so many people in his practice and was dearly loved my his friends and colleagues. We send our sincere condolences and prayers for your family.

Logan M. Pachciarz Feb 05, 2025

Friend ,Independence ,Missouri

David left a special imprint on my life. A friend, co-conspirator, educator and enthusiast. David was an explorer through many aspects and was unafraid to challenge for the betterment of people. David was the best in sentiment and understanding the scales of love, life, enjoyment and peace. He was a prince, a guide, lover of the arts, but mostly of psychology and the why. Love you David. Thank you for being present and always at the ready. To Dawn, the family, thank you for being at the moments that mean so much. Sail on sweet prince.

Sue McComb Feb 07, 2025

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I have known David for more than 10 years. As my therapist, David helped me understand myself better in order to live my life better. As my friend, David & I shared our mutual love for laughter, living life with gusto, appreciation of the arts & fine food. I cherish our experiences. David will be greatly missed.

Jennifer Owen Feb 07, 2025

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

To David's family: We are sending our heartfelt condolences to you as you mourn the loss of David. He was such a loving and generous person, and he touched the lives of so many. His contributions to the arts, and dance in particular, helped to spread so much beauty and joy into the world. May his memory live on as we remember and cherish all that he did and all that he believed in. Love, Jennifer, Brad and Cecilia

David Wood Feb 07, 2025

Friend/Patient ,Overland Park ,Kansas

David and I met when we were both waiters at Fedora Cafe on the Country Club Plaza, in the early 1980’s. We had a lot of fun together waiting tables and David was always a warm, big-hearted person with a great sense of humor. We reconnected many years later when a mutual friend recommended him when I was looking for a therapist. David helped me greatly and started me on a journey of self-discovery that has helped me learn how to navigate life and live authentically and wholeheartedly. He will be missed greatly. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Mark and Susan Donovan Feb 08, 2025

cousin ,Baltimore ,Maryland

Susan and I wish to extend to Reba, Dawn, Dan and their families our sincerest condolences on the loss of David. Although we didn't meet until later in our lives he was always kind, friendly and gentle with a great laugh. I'm sure he was a respected, loving and committed addition to his family of friends, clients and community. Your family has endured so much sorrow from this dreadful disease, it is hard to understand how this could have happened yet again. We are thinking of you and offering prayers for David and you... May he rest in peace.