Donovan Alec Clinkscales was born in Portsmouth, VA on December 27th, 1996 to Marion and Natasha Clinkscales.
Donovan was a senior and recently transferred from North Central to Manual High School. He was on the basketball team and recently said he had the goal of “Winning a state championship, helping to make his teammates better, averaging 15-20 points for the season, and playing college ball.” He also loved math and had an aspiration to become a veterinarian
Donovan was known by everyone as the funniest person you could meet. He had a very big heart and wanted to bring joy to others and then himself.
As a small child, if you were lucky enough, he’d sing “You are my Sunshine” to you with your name in the place of sunshine. He had a free spirit and found the silver lining in every situation.
Throughout high school, Donovan was involved in a Christian Ministry called Young Life and loved singing in the church choir, bringing praise, and honor to the Lord.
On October 18th, 2015, after attending Indiana State University’s homecoming game, at an after party, Donovan fell victim to the senseless act of violence as an innocent bystander and departed this life at eighteen years, nine months, and eighteen days. He was preceded in death by his uncle Donald Clinkscales Jr and grandfathers; William Fuller and Donald Clinkscales.
Donovan’s memories will forever live on through his father: Marion Clinkscales; his mothers: Natasha Clinkscales and Deborah McCloud-Clinkscales; great grandmother: Arlene Mannings; grandmothers: Lois Clinkscales, Mary Walker, and Sally Fuller; his siblings: Nolan Clinkscales, Nikeitha McCloud, Stephon McCloud, Whitney Clinkscales and William Clinkscales; eight uncles, five aunts, a host of cousins, community parents, and friends.
A Celebration of his Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W 86th Street, Indianapolis. Friends may call from Noon until service time. Online condolences may be made at www.indianafuneralcare.com.
Josh Skillman says
Dear Will and Clinkscales Family,
Very sorry to hear about Donovan’s passing. I wanted to let you know how sorry that I am for your loss.
Will, you are a tremendous person who we all think the world of in Housing & Residence Life at IUPUI. We all care about you and have been thinking of you. If you need anything, we are here for you.
I wish you all peace in what must be the most difficult of times.
Elder Rodney Flynn says
To the Marion Clinkscales and Family, As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Donovan Clinkscales. Hebrews 13-1 God Bless You and Your Family
Isaiah Upshaw, Jr. says
My heart goes out to everyone grieving the loss of this precious life. I pray that GOD will provide comfort to everyone touched by this tragedy.
I know that words of sympathy are never enough at times like these, but here is a poem I came across years ago that I often read to help comfort me when I think of loved ones who have passed away.
We little knew that morning
That GOD would call your name.
In life we loved you dearly;
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone.
For parts of us went with you
The day GOD called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as GOD calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
Prayerfully,
Isaiah Upshaw, Jr.
Adriene Langford-Harris says
God bless the Parents who have lost a Child… Heal their hurting aching hearts and just hold them for awhile… God give the Parents peace, whose Child you’ve called away…And give them the joy in knowing…They will reunite someday…May God keep you and carry you…
Adriene Langford-Harris
Richard Fuller says
Our prayers are with you all. Let us know if there is anything we may do to help.
Rick and Peggy Fuller
Sonya Wilson says
Praying for your strength and sending lots of heartfelt hugs to you. Peace be with you.
Susan Burke says
So very sorry for such a tragic loss of a beloved son with so much promise. Praying for your strength and comfort.
Pat Mitchum, Kelli and Brandi Bennett says
To the Clinkscales Family,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to your family. We remember Donovan well while being at University United Church and would often comment on what a nice young man he was. Our hearts truly are with you at this time.
May God keep you in the palm of his hand at this very difficult time.
Pat Mitchum, Kelli and Brandi Bennett
Tina Clinkscales Richardson says
I’m so sorry about your lost. My prayers are with you. God bless you. Pastor Tina C Richardson Jr
Meagan Hansen says
Our condolences to you and yours. Keeping you in thought and praying for your strength. Sending many heartfelt hugs your way. May God give you comfort and peace.
Randy CW Bond says
Prayers go out to the family during their time of need. Father give them peace and strength during this time…
Octavia Fitzgerald says
To the Clinkscales Family,
Praying for your strength and peace. May you find the comfort of God to help you during this difficult time.
Octavia Fitzgerald
Hazel GOrdon says
WORDS ARE NEVER ENOUGH
Diane Reed says
To Clinkslayer Family. You have my deepest sympathy. We will miss Donovan so much. Absolutely Gone Too Soon. R.I.P. Dear Heart. Love you. Paternal Grandmother of Tim Reed. From The Reed Family
Betty Jugg says
I am so sorry to hear about Donavon’s passing. Marion and Deborah, I hope the wonderful memories of time shared, uplift you both until the day you are all reunited with God, His son, Jesus Christ and Donavon in Heaven.
Neil Cunningham says
Marion and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son. He will be sorely missed, but forever loved and remembered by many. Look to God to help ease your pain and begin to heal, for He will never leave or forsake us, all we have to do is call on Him. May God bless and keep you all. Much love.
Neil Cunningham and Family
Diane Reed says
To the Clinkslayer Family: You have my deepest sympathy on your loss of Donovan. We will miss him. Absolutely Gone To Soon, R.I.P. Dear Heart… We love you. From the paternal Grandmother of Tim Reed… submitted by Reed Family.
Dechez Edmonds says
To Marion Clinkscales and Family, I am sorry for the loss of Donovan. May GOD comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
Marcus Ragland says
To the Marion Clinkscales and Family, As you grieve remember that he is with the Lord, know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Donovan Clinkscales. God Bless You and Your Family.
Sylvia Holt says
My heart hurts for the family, for Nikki, William, Whitney, Sally, and I am so sorry and all are in my heart, my soul! I love all of you so very much!
Donya Hughes says
Natasha,
May the Lord give you peace during this difficult time. God bless you and your family.
Donya Hughes says
Natasha,
May the Lord give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. God bless you and your family.
Cindy Abreu and Family says
Our condolences to the Clinkscales family. We had the great opportunity to meet Marion, Debbie, and the kids through their good friend, Madeline King, my aunt. I have some great memories of some fun times in Va with you all and I hope Donovan’s wonderful memories comfort you all in this time of grief. Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with you.
Angela Wilcher says
Words to express my deepest condolences dont seem to be enough! Marion and Deborah, it pains me deeply to hear of this. I remember your son as an always welcoming well mannered and respectable young man. I send my prayers of comfort to you and your family.
Dr Jefferson and Ms Ginger says
You left us too soon. You brought joy, smiles, and happiness to so many lives especially ours. We love you and God as a very Special Angel.
Barb Wagner says
There are no adequate words to express my sincere feelings of sorrow for you and your family on the loss of your son. I remember Marion playing a video of him and his son singing together and the pride and joy Marion displayed was quite evident. He was a ray of sunshine in your lives. I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow you are feeling. I’m so sorry for your loss. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. May God bless you and keep you.
Amari Ice says
Dear Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Though words can never compensate for the loss we feel, they can help us remember to treasure the experiences we’ve shared with Donovan and each other.
You all are like family to me and Donovan was my little brother.
I have so many hilarious memories of him singing random songs, dancing the jerk, and telling jokes. He was such a warm, spirited kid. Even if he had gotten in trouble he still couldn’t help but bring laughter anyway.
He had such tremendous gifts and I am blessed and honored to have watched him grow over the years.
He will be infinitely missed.
I love you all.
Amari
Brandon says
May love, strength, peace and understanding be with you.
Jason Birks says
May the Peace of the Lord Almighty rest upon you during this time. There is no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Hold fast to God’s word and let his Love overtake and move through you. God bless.
Vera Blunt says
To the Clinkscales Family, I was so saddened about the news of Donavan’s passing. Bought back a lot of memories.I pray that God will ease you all pain.we know that he’s in a better place.I will be praying for you all.I love you all.
marion clinkscales says
I miss him everyday! He was a very funny and inspiring Human and always on Dads thoughts of the future. He’s gone to soon but will never be forgotten because so many life events of his surface and brings smile, joy and laughter many. He was loved so much by many!