Don Roger Coryell

Don Roger Coryell passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at the age of 87. Don was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on September 9, 1929. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patricia J. Coryell; his children, Kim Baethge (Stephen), Linda Forrester (Ritchie), Brad Lear (Maura), and Larry Lear (Susan). Don is also survived by nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Don was honored to serve in the Army and then spent twenty years in Houston, TX working at NASA in program management for the Gemini Projects. After NASA, he was president of a manufacturing company in the food service industry. Together, Don and Patricia built and sold two kennels in the Tampa Bay area. Upon retirement, he was employed by Greenacre Properties as a property manager. Don was extremely active in his church community of St. Timothy Catholic Church where he was proud to serve the Knights of Columbus for many years, with one of those years as Grand Knight. He was active in the Men's Club and when asked was always honored to help in any capacity. He served his community with great pride and enthusiasm. He never met a person that he did not know, and was always committed to whatever project he encountered. A few of these projects being president of the American Cancer Society, Greater Tampa Unit; served on the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors and was a founder of CABA and installed into their Hall of Fame. Don loved playing golf and traveling. He will be greatly missed by his St. Joseph Hospital family, where he volunteered weekly, and also served on the Patient and Family Advisory Council. The celebration of life for Don will be held Monday, October 17, 2016 at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Tampa, FL. A wake service will be held from 8:00 to 8:45am followed by a Mass at 9:00am. Following the Mass, a reception will be held in the church parish hall. Interment will be at 2:00pm at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, Don requested donations be made to St. Timothy's Knights of Columbus Council #13525.