David Donathan Obituary

David Michael Donathan

December 18, 2025

WISE, VA - D. Michael Donathan, 87, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at his home in Wise.

He was Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Virginia's College at Wise for 26 years. Prior to that, he was head of the Music Department at Pikeville College.

A native of Huntington, WV, he was predeceased by parents, John Ison and Tennie Pemberton Donathan; brothers, Jack, Harry and Thomas Ferguson, John Jr. and Peter Donathan; sister, Ernestine Marshall; sisters-in-law, Mary Donathan and Angela Moore Donathan, first wife of Peter; and nephew, Dr. Robert Marshall.

He is survived by sister-in-law, Karen McCue Donathan, wife of Peter, of St. Clarksville, Ohio; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Travis Kennedy and Derek McFall.

Michael earned the A.B. degree from Marshall University in 1960, and M.M.E. and Ph. D degrees from Indiana University, in 1963 and 1982, respectively. He was Visiting Scholar at Cambridge University, England.

A committed music educator, as part of his faculty position at Clinch Valley College, now UVA-Wise, he directed college and college/community choirs toward public performances each year, and men's choral composed of college and community members in Christmas seasons. He earned the Outstanding Teaching and Advising Award in 1995, Distinguished Professor UVA Harrison Faculty Award in 2002, and the Henson Student Life Award in 2004.

He was best known as "Dr. D." or simply "D" by students and the men of Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, for which he was advisor for some 40 years. He received a National Merit Citation in 2004 for Distinguished Service by the Supreme Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi.

Michael was a member and organist of All Saints Episcopal Church in Norton, VA.

Memorial service for Michael Donathan will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 27, 2026 at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Norton, VA with reception to follow in the fellowship hall. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, February 28, 2026 in the Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington, WV.

Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.