Joe Raymond Donathan

Joe Raymond Donathan died Wednesday, March 25, in Englewood, CO at age 86.

Joe was born June 24,1933 on the historic Bar I Ranch in Cedaredge, Colorado (that was managed by his Granddad Doyle from 1932-1936) and grew up in Western Colorado. He served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during the Korean War. On September 12, 1954 he married Marjorie Louise Turner at the Eckert Presbyterian Church in Eckert, CO. They lived in California for two years while he attended school at Northrop Aeronautical Institute. They then returned to Colorado where he graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Aerospace Engineering Sciences. He had an exciting and fulfilling 37 year aerospace career at Martin Marietta/Lockheed Martin Corporation, retiring in 1993.

Joe greatly enjoyed his family, skiing, golf, and travel.

He is survived by Marjorie, his wife of 65 years, two daughters, Elizabeth Donathan and Diane Monson, and two grandchildren Gina Eldridge and Mark Monson, a sister, Carol Haase (Don) of Grand Junction, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Vesta (Doyle) and Lee Chambers, two sisters Shirley and Barbara (Mrs. Murl Thomas of Grand Junction), and a brother, Kenneth ""Buck"" Donathan (Dorothy) of Delta, CO.

Because of the Covid-19 concerns there will not be a viewing nor a live memorial service. A private Graveside Service and Interment will be at the Eckert Cemetery in Eckert, CO. The family requests that everyone continue to stay safe.

Please visit the virtual memorial our family put together for Joe: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dPVT7rmJWzV6QQebTh9KLfaA1c24smx8/view

Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep

""Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.""
-Mary Frye, American poet (1904 - 2004)