Donald W. Cowart of Valrico, Florida unexpectedly passed away on June 6, 2025. He was born in Gainesville, Florida on October 23, 1949, where he spent his formative years. In 1966 he moved to Brandon, Florida, where he attended High School graduating from Brandon High School in 1969. Shortly thereafter, he was employed as a cable splicer by General Telephone and Electronics. Three years later he was promoted to Plant Construction Manager while pursuing his undergraduate studies at Hillsborough Community College. He retired in 2010 ending his 41-year career at the same company.
Mr. Cowart became a Freemason in 1978 at Temple Terrace Lodge No. 330. He affiliated with Brandon Lodge No. 114 in 2007, where he was elected Worshipful Master in 2013 and later served for five years as the Lodge Secretary.
He was appointed as District Deputy Grand Master for the 20th Masonic District in 2015 and served as Senior Grand Steward in 2017. He was appointed Grand Marshal and a member of the Corporate Board in 2019. He progressed through the Elected Grand Line of the Grand Lodge of Florida and was Grand Master of Masons in Florida in 2024.
For his exemplary devotion and commitment to the Fraternity, he was recognized and received the prestigious J.P. Duval Award of Excellence and two Grand Master’s Eagle Awards.
He was also a member of Scottish Rite, Valley of Tampa; York Rite, Plant City Chapter No. 16, R.A.M., Tyler Council No. 4, R. & S.M., Plant City Commandery No. 6, KT; Egypt Shriners; Zendah Grotto; Order of the Eastern Star, DeSoto Chapter No. 201; Royal Order of Scotland, Maxwell Klan; Master Mason Association of Hillsborough County; Tri-County Scottish Rite Club and the Brandon Shrine Club.
In his younger years, he was an avid tennis player. He was nationally ranked and was the number 1 ranked doubles player in 35s and 40s category. He held that rank for five consecutive years. He and his doubles partner, Richard Scott, could be found on the tennis court every day. They won a total of 60 doubles titles in 6 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife Dell Cowart. He is survived by a son, Andrew Cowart of Newberry, Florida, two grandchildren, Riley Cowart and McKensie Cowart, a sister Rose Fulcher of Ft. Pierce, Florida and a niece, Donna Haaer.
Funeral services are planned for Tuesday, June 24 at Egypt Shrine Temple located at 5017 E. Washington Street, Tampa, Florida. The viewing is at 10:30am with Masonic Rites following at 11:30am. Interment will be at Limona Cemetery, 1698 Limona Road, Brandon, FL. A reception will be held following the interment at Brandon Masonic Lodge, 203 N. Moon Ave in Brandon.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Brandon Masonic Lodge, PO Box 816, Brandon, FL in his memory.
Previous Events
Visitation
24
Jun
5017 East Washington Street
Tampa, FL 33619
Service
24
Jun
5017 East Washington Street
Tampa, FL 33619
A reception will follow the graveside service at Brandon Masonic Lodge #114.
Cemetery Details
Location
1698 Limona Road
Brandon, FL 33510
