Reverend Donald Franklin Kokomoor, 94, of Englewood, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2023, at the age of 94. Donald was born on February 6, 1929, in Gainesville, Florida. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many people throughout the United States and beyond.
Donald was well known by many through his ministerial affiliation with the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Donald loved the outdoors and was always actively pursuing avocations such as beekeeping, gardening, and carpentry. He enjoyed spending his retirement years traveling and spending winters in Florida and summers at the family camp in Fayston, Vermont. Donald had a deep appreciation for relationships with friends and never hesitated to engage with people in their own space.
Donald was the son of Dr. and Mrs. Franklin Wesley Kokomoor, Ph.D., of Gainesville, FL. He graduated from the University of Florida with a group major in sociology, psychology, and speech. Donald would often reflect on spending time at the Wesley Foundation, where his interest in religion grew.
Upon graduation from the University of Florida in 1949, Donald was accepted at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia. It was during this time in Atlanta that Donald met his future wife, Katharine Warren Loemker. Donald and Katharine were married on April 25, 1953, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Donald and Katharine honeymooned in Fayston, Vermont. They located to northern Florida where Donald became an elder in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. During his tenure with the Conference, Donald was appointed by the bishop to churches in McIntosh, Starke, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Fort Myers, Indialantic, and New Port Richy, Florida. In all, Donald had over 40 years of service and affiliation with the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.
After retirement, Donald and Katharine spent time traveling. Donald served for a year in the Congregational Church in Waitsfield, Vermont, and later accepted a three-year winter appointment to “Chapel by the Sea” in Captiva, Florida.
Donald cherished family and emphasized its importance through his strong commitment of time. He is survived by his loving wife, Katharine Loemker Kokomoor, his daughter, Gretchen Kokomoor-Ward (John), his son, Karl Kokomoor (Susan), his son, A. Kris Kokomoor (Katey), his eight grandchildren: Erin Kokomoor Clemens (Bradley), Kevin Kokomoor (Jennifer), Wesley Kokomoor, Erik Edison (Stephanie), Kaley Kokomoor (Hugh), Rachael Kokomoor-Purdy (Micah), Jackie Kokomoor and Sam Kokomoor, and nine great-grandchildren: Emily Clemens, Austin Clemens, Oliver Kokomoor, Brandon Clemens, Arlo Edison, Waylon Edison, Wesley Robins, Teagan Purdy, and Warren Kokomoor
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Franklin W. Kokomoor and Mrs. Flora Weller Kokomoor, his brother, Dr. Marvin Kokomoor, and sister, Gretchen Kokomoor Brill.
Private, celebration of life ceremonies will be held both in Florida and the family camp in Fayston, Vermont. Donald always enjoyed Vermont and all the life surrounding the Camp Lukacilleten family mountain retreat. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Florida United Methodist Youth Foundation.
