Donald Lee Cowart was born July 22, 1934, and went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 1, 2018.
Donald was born in Abilene, Texas, to William and Mittie Cowart. Don loved to dance and was known as “The Jitter Bug Champion” of Texas for many years.
Don joined the Army in 1957 and was stationed at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. While training at Fort Chaffee, Don married his loving wife, Thelma, on May 18, 1957. After training, he was deployed to Germany as a private.
In 1963, Don entered the Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He is a Viet Nam War veteran and served in the Navy until his retirement in 1982. After his military service, Don became a civil service employee, at NAS Pensacola, until his retirement in 1999. Don was a brave and loyal service member, who loved his country and flag, as well as, a patient and loving father.
Don loved the Lord and his church. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Milton, Florida, where he served, over the years, as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and Royal Ambassador Leader.
Don was a very supportive father and an active school volunteer for his children and grandchildren. He served as a member of the Milton High Quarterback Club for multiple years. In addition, he was involved with the Pace High Band Boosters, where he was affectionately known as the “Little Admiral”.
Born with a green thumb, Don loved working in his garden and yard. He was a natural fit to work in the Garden Center at Walmart, where he worked until 2015. Here he was given the title “Mr. Walmart” for his affectional smile and personality. He never met anyone he didn’t like. In or out of Walmart he would be constantly asked questions about gardening.
He is survived by his wife, of 61 years, Thelma; daughters, LaDell and DeAnna (Burkett); sons, Gary, Barry, and David; granddaughters, Breanna (Ploneda), Ai’ana and Madison; grandsons, Barry Jr and Bryson; daughters-in-law, Maria and Tracy; son-in-law, Lyle Burkett; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral Services was held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 6, 2018, at First Baptist Church of Milton, with Dr. David Spencer and Dr. Jonathan Russell, officiating. Visitation was held 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., prior to the service.
A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 9, 2018, at Barrancas National Cemetery, with Lewis Funeral Home, Milton, directing.
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This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Donald Lee Cowart