Donovan D. Daye Sr.

Donovan Donzell Daye, Sr affectionately known as “Donnie,” was born on March 1, 1973, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Darius L. Daye, Sr. and Dorothy Daye. He was the youngest of seven children and brought joy, laughter and warmth to all who knew him. Donovan attended Metro High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he graduated in 1991. In 1999, Donovan was united in marriage to Raelle and from this union, they were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Shayla, Tanaya, and Brianna. He was also the proud father of his sons Donovan “Donnie” Jr., Jeremy, and JoJo. Throughout his life, he was employed in various general labor positions and continued to embrace life with joy, gratitude and a zest for living. Donovan lived life to the fullest. He was a free spirit who radiated positivity and laughter wherever he went. Known for his sense of humor and magnetic personality, Donovan had an extraordinary ability to bring smiles to those around him. He loved spending time with his family and friends, enjoying good food, great music, and the simple joys of life. A gifted artist, Donovan had a deep passion for cartoons and comic books and possessed a remarkable talent for drawing by hand. His creativity was as vibrant as his favorite color, purple. Always one to “dress to impress,” he took great pride in his appearance and enjoyed expressing himself through his bold and confident style. On October 13, 2025, Donovan was admitted to Nortons Hospital in Louisville. After a courageous battle with various health conditions, he peacefully transitioned from this life on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, surrounded by love. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Dorothy Daye; Stepmother Barbara Jean Clark-Daye; Grandparents; Lloyd & Lillyan Eston; Aunt Ysonda Eston-Golder; Cousins, Angela Dabney, Shalonda Morton and Andrea Eston. Donovan leaves to cherish his memory: his father, Darius L. Daye, Sr. (Sharon); his devoted wife, Raelle Daye; his children, Donovan Jr., Shayla, Tanaya, Brianna, Jeremy, and JoJo; his siblings, Yalanda Davis, Darius Daye, Jr., Tony (Amber) Hill, Michelle Daye, Alonzo Daye, Deon Daye, Sr. and Deven Daye; his aunts and uncles, Marilyn Dabney, Lloyd (Kelly) Eston, and Yolanda (Jerry) Morton; along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family members. He will also be fondly remembered by his dear friend, Mary Jackson and her family, Troy Jackson, Damoni Jackson, James Black, Deshaun Grant and his little buddy, Nau’j Jackson, along with many other close friends near and far who loved him deeply. Though he is no longer with us in body, Donovan’s laughter, creativity, and loving spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Donovan D. Daye Sr.

March 1, 1973 - October 21, 2025