Leonard O’Donovan Sr.

Leonard Sears O’Donovan, Sr., age 73, of Friendship, passed from this life on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at his home.  He was born on April 29, 1952, in Pensacola, FL, to the late Rubin David Sr. and Mary Stewart O’Donovan.

Leonard left home for the Army and served in Germany, afterwards work took him to Portland, OR, where he finished his associates degree and became a master electrician. He opened his own business, West Linn Electric and served as a solar energy inspector for Oregon Energy Trust. Leonard later moved to Arkansas and worked with Fleming Electric and Little Rock Electric before forming his own solar business, Inspiring Energy with his wife as co-owner.

He was a life long Roman Catholic and was a member of the Knights of Columbus serving as Grand Knight in Oregon. Leonard enjoyed golfing, hunting, gardening, bird watching, surfing, dirt bike riding, horseback riding, and working on solar energy and renewable off grid resources.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, George Edward O’Donovan and Rubin David O’Donovan and one favorite uncle, Reubin O’Donovan Askew who served as the thirty-seventh governor of Florida. 

Leonard is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Smith O’Donovan, one son, Leonard O’Donovan Jr. of Tyronza, AR, three daughters, Julia Edmonson (Will) of Pensacola, FL, Margaret Richards of Vancouver, WA, Jocelyn Crook of Salisbury, NC, one brother, Jon O’Donovan of Sterling, CO, four sisters, Mary Jordan (Mike) of Pensacola, FL, Debbie Tenent (Glenn) of Pensacola, FL, Christine Leask (Scott Germaine) of Sarasota, FL, and Florence Privia of Pensacola, FL, one sister in law, Kathy O’Donovan nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 

A rosary service and memorial mass were held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Mark Wood officiating.

In Lieu of flowers family ask that you donate to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arkadelphia or Friendship United Methodist Church in Friendship.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.