Donavan John Eck, 85, of Bismarck and a lifelong resident of the area, passed away August 19, 2026, at Hay Creek Lodge Senior Living. Memorial services will be held on September 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM at McCabe Methodist Church, Bismarck, with the Reverend Sweeney officiating. Burial at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery will be private.

Donavan was born on October 4, 1940, in Bismarck, ND, to Samuel and Enola Eck. He was raised and educated in the Bismarck Public Schools, graduating from Bismarck High School in 1958. He attended North Dakota State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural education. He did graduate studies at the University of Minnesota.

Donavan married Patricia Ann Toman of Mandan, ND, on August 14, 1965. Three children were born to this union. After graduation from NDSU, he farmed on the Eck family farm east of Bismarck. After farming for 11 years, Donavan went to work at Bismarck State College as a professor of agriculture, where he taught for 27 years before retiring in 2001. After retiring from BSC, he worked part time as a consultant with AgriPro Wheat, the North Dakota State Seed Department, and the AgriAlliance Agronomy Center. Over the next 12 years, as a seed consultant, he met and greeted farmers and former students at regional agricultural conventions. If he did not know a potential customer that approached his booth; he would surely know that person's neighbor or a relative.

Donavan was active in many organizations and activities. He was a Masonic member of Bismarck Lodge #5, Mandan-Bismarck York Rite Bodies, and El Zagal Shriners. As a member of First Presbyterian Church of Mandan, he served as director of education and a teacher for 15 years, as well as a deacon and ruling elder. He served on the Farm Credit Services board for 18 years. He also served as a commissioner on the Burleigh County board and was a past president of the board. He received many awards and accolades for his service on boards and in organizations, teaching, and other activities.

He is survived by his sons, Troy (Elisabeth) Eck of Dothan, AL, and Tate (Shannon) Eck of Kindred, ND; his daughter, Tracy (Travis) Bridwell of Bismarck, ND; three grandsons, Holter, Magnus, and Hauser; and his sister, Enola “Babe” Cassel of Bismarck, ND. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; his parents; and his siblings, Dr. Charles Eck, Shirley Nelson, Virginia Eck, and James Eck.