Donovan Orvis Cummings, 75, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2010.  He was a teacher.  He was a thespian.  He was a friend.

Donovan was born on March 29, 1934, in Rice Lake, WI to Tracey and Martha Cummings.  His school days were in Kenosha, WI.  He always credited his flair for performance to his mother.

After graduation from Northwestern University, he began a career-long teaching assignment at Stockton's Edison High School.  (In 1976 began his double assignment at Stagg High.)  At both of those schools, he was the speech and debate coach for many outstanding competitive speakers.

Donovan spent a career serving not only his own students, but also the speech students of California.  He became a member of the California High School Speech Council in 1963 and remained with that body until 2008. During that time, he served in many official positions, including seven years as State President.  He also held key positions in the Yosemite Forensic League and was a five diamond key coach in the National Forensic League (NFL).  He was elected to the California Speech Hall of Fame in 1987 and the NFL's Hall of Fame in 1988.

In addition to his speech efforts, Donovan was also very involved in Stockton Civic Theater, both as an actor and a director.

He is survived by sister, Beverley Mussleman, of Kenosha, WI and 15 nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service celebrating Donovan's life will be held on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 2:00PM at the Stockton Hilton-Delta Ballroom. Remembrances for a State Speech Tournament Champion scholarship fund should be sent to California High School Speech Association c/o Ron Underwood, 10775 N. Sierra Vista, Fresno, CA 93730.