Donald August Kovar

Donald August Kovar, 91, of Taylor, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 17, 2024.

Donald was born to August and Angeline Kovar on October 30, 1932. Donald was the middle of three children, who 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. Don’s 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 at camp Pendleton in Jacksonville, Florida to learn all 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 exciting infancy of jet fighter planes.

Don married the love of his life, Pauline David, in 1958. Don and Pauline 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 days and nights 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 places like Las Vegas, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Branson, Missouri, Orlando, Florida, Louisville, Kentucky and even to Canada. Don and Pauline both agreed that 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 loving wife of 65 years, Pauline. Also, by his parents, August and Angeline Kovar; and sibling Lillie Mae Janak.

He is survived by his sister Francis Klepac; the 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) David. Don is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

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

We would like to send a special thanks to the staff at Concho Hearts Hospice and the SPJST Assisted Living and Nursing Home staff for taking such good care of our Dad.

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