Donavan Whalen

Donavan A. Whalen - Jacksonville, Fla.

Donavan A. Whalen, age 90, of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away peacefully on Sept. 27, 2025. Don was born in Manistee, Mich., and attended Michigan Technical University before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the University of Illinois. He then embarked on a long and distinguished career in business that took him from Chicago to Jacksonville.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Dona; sister Kathleen Lukas, daughter Valerie Matkaitis; stepdaughters Carrie Shea Spindler (John) and Darcy Eddy; grandchildren Amber Rivera (Louis), Daniel Matkaitis and Grace Natsis; niece Rebecca Lukas; and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents Donavan and Irene Whalen, wife Dawn, son Donavan III and stepson Frank Eddy.

Affable, outgoing and endlessly witty, Don was always quick with a joke or humorous story. He had an abiding love of the water and proudly served as a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve. Don spent many years sailing on Lake Michigan and, later, both sailing and powerboating on the St. Johns River. He also led many memorable sailing trips around the Virgin Islands.

Don was an Eagle Scout, which instilled in him the value of giving back to the community. He volunteered for numerous organizations in the Jacksonville area, including the Meninak Club, the Salvation Army and the March of Dimes.

Memorials appreciated to Community Hospice and Palliative Care at the Anne and Donald McGraw Center for Caring.