Served on the Iowa Supreme Court from January 1, 1933, until December 31, 1938. For one term of six months he was Chief Justice.
Born near Welton, Clinton County, Iowa, September 2, 1875. He was graduated from Creighton College; Georgetown University; and in 1901 from the University of Iowa. In that year he began the practice of law at Davenport. From 1908 to 1912, inclusive, he was City Attorney of Davenport and in the latter year he became Judge of the District Court, which position he held until resigning in 1921. From that date until coming on the Supreme Court he engaged in private practice.
After his retirement from the bench he again returned to his practice in Davenport. Thereafter he served as United States District Attorney for the sourthern district of Iowa.
Justice Donegan died at Davenport March 24, 1950.