He was born to August and Angeline Kovar on Oct. 30, 1932. Don was the middle of three children and spent his childhood growing up on a farm in Circleville, Texas. They grew cotton and milo, as well as family vegetables and some sugar cane on 75 acres. Don enjoyed his mother’s cooking, with meatloaf, fried chicken and apple pie being a Sunday favorite. His early life was dominated by farm work and there was plenty of it.

Don enlisted in the Marines during the Korean conflict. After basic training, Don went to San Diego for boot camp. From there, he spent two months in Jacksonville, Florida, learning about radio and radar. He was on his way to Korea when the war ended, so the ship stopped in Hawaii where he was reassigned for nearly two years. Don served with the elite Marine air wings during the infancy of jetfighter planes.

He married the love of his life, Pauline David, in 1958. They knew each other in their school days, but several years later when Don returned from Hawaii, they ran into each other at a dance at the SPJST Hall and the rest is history. Don and Pauline loved each other dearly and fully. Their love for one another has been a guiding light for everyone around them.

In 1959 they welcomed their first son, Steven Donald, then three more boys were added: Robert Curtis, Russell Allan and Patrick Paul. In 1969 their family was complete, finally with a girl, Kari Josepha.

Don’s first job was at the cotton gin in Taylor, with his next job being at Westinghouse in Round Rock. When Westinghouse closed down, Don took a job at Johns Community Hospital doing maintenance engineering. After 25 years of service, he retired in 1998.

In his free time Don enjoyed coaching his boys’ Little League baseball teams and hunting and fishing with his friends. Don and Pauline’s house was a sanctuary for their kids and all their friends; it was often the meeting place for most of the day and night events.

He also enjoyed playing in community Tarok and 42 domino tournaments.

When the kids got older, Don and Pauline started taking their own adventures with the Road Runner excursions to Las Vegas; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Branson, Missouri; Orlando, Florida; Louisville, Kentucky; and even to Canada. Don and Pauline both agreed the Road Runner trips were some of their favorite times.

Don and Pauline didn’t know life could get any better until they were blessed with 11 grandkids. He was given the special title “Popo.” Days at Popo and Granny’s were everyone’s favorite memories. His grandsons loved being boys and playing outside, riding the lawnmower and hammering nails into anything they could find. His granddaughters enjoyed playing computer and board games with him. The entire Kovar family loved to spend time playing dominoes and listening to polka music with Popo and Granny.

Don was a devout Catholic and spent many years serving and volunteering at St. Mary’s Church and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Taylor. He served on the Cemetery Committee and he was an honorary life member of the St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus.

Don is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years; by his parents; and sibling Lillie Mae Janak.

Survivors include his sister Francis Klepac; children Steven (Pam) Kovar, Robert (Paulette) Kovar, Russell (Liz) Kovar, Patrick (Debbie) Kovar and Kari (Chris) Kurtin; grandchildren Tia (Justin) Moldenhour, Megan (Greg) Brill, Brandon Bowers, Greg Bowers, Travis (Lori) Kovar, Jeremy (Natalee) Kovar, Ashley (Ryan) Schneider, Lauren Kovar, Katie Kurtin, Connor Kurtin and Sophie Kovar; great-grandchildren Nick Treuter, Jack Moldenhour, Drew Brill, Zach Brill, Alice Schneider and Liam Kovar; honorary family members Kurt and Vivian Sobotik, as well as their children Marla, Eric and Greg; sisters-in-law Carol (Warren) Richter, Arlene David; and brother-in-law Victor David Jr. (Lorine) and David. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation was Aug. 23 at Providence Funeral Home, 807 Carlos G. Parker Blvd. N.W. in Taylor, followed by a rosary. Services are 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 408 Washburn St., Taylor, followed by a graveside service 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Old Thorndale Road, Taylor.

Memorials can be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Mary’s Catholic School.

The family would like to send special thanks to the staff at Concho Hearts Hospice and the SPJST Assisted Living and Nursing Home staff.

Serving as pallbearers are Travis Kovar, Jeremy Kovar, Connor Kurtin, Ryan Schneider, Trey Janak and Brad Klepac.