Don Koerner Port Richey, FL – 1940-2024 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Don Koerner, 84, of Port Richey, on December 25, 2024.
Don was a dedicated and compassionate individual who spent his life in the service of others. A retired GTE/Verizon employee, he was actively involved in numerous community clubs, always striving to make a positive impact. His unwavering dedication to volunteer fire departments was a testament to his selflessness and commitment to saving lives. Don donated nearly 84 gallons of blood and many platelet donations.
Don had a passion for anything that moved—planes, trains, and automobiles were his joy. He spent his spare time at the Central Pasco & Gulf Railroad at Crew’s Lake Wilderness Park, indulging in his love for trains and the community.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Shirley, and their three children: daughters Lori and Christine, and son, Jim. His legacy continues through his six grandchildren: Lauren, Austin, Christian, Tyler, Hailey, and Julia, who will always remember him with love and admiration.
Don’s dedication, warmth, and passion will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever live in the hearts of all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Central Pasco & Gulf Railroad in Don’s memory. Contact – Central Pasco & Gulf Railroad
Funeral services are at Dobies Funeral Home, 6616 Congress St. January 11th at 11am.
Thomas B Dobies Funeral Home - Congress St. Chapel
Neal Stringer
January 7, 2025, 1:51 am
I met Don at the CP&G railroad. He always had a smile on his face or some little joke to tell. He was a good man that I was proud to call friend.
Sue Raidy Bartle
January 7, 2025, 2:48 am
My condolences to the family. Don and I were Classmates at St. ANTHONY school in Clarksville. We did talk on FB and shared a lot of memories.
Mialesa Colvin
January 7, 2025, 3:21 am
I’m so sorry to hear of Don’s passing.
My condolences to Shirley and the family.
Always,
Mia Colvin
Hallmark
Liz Angelini
January 7, 2025, 4:37 am
Dear Shirley,
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s death. You two had a great life together. He was a good man and you must be missing him incredibly much. Please accept my condolences for you and the family.
Kim Wilson
January 7, 2025, 12:12 pm
I am so sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you all ❤️🙏
Brian and Sandy Johnson
January 8, 2025, 2:28 am
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Our deepest sympathy,
Brian and Sandy Johnson
Jean norton
January 9, 2025, 10:37 pm
Always enjoyed meeting Don at family events always had a smile and friendly conversation he will be missed our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and their wonderful family he was a great husband and father love Bill and jean
jean norton
January 10, 2025, 12:00 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with shirley and her loving family Don was a great husband friend and father always had a smile and good conversation whenever we got together at family events He will be missed Love Jean and Bill
Bobby Wertz and family
January 12, 2025, 11:19 am
Don and Shirley have been our next door neighbors for 12 years. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, Shirley.
We are going to miss you, Don!
Lori K
January 12, 2025, 12:50 pm
When I think of my dad I think of our many road trips together as a family. We’ve had some great adventures in the Keys, New Orleans, Gatlinburg, and DC to name a few. On our earlier road trips he would be on his ham radio, reaching out to fellow travelers as my brother, sister and I would laugh, play and fight in the back of the station wagon. To this day, when my sister and I are on our way to met up, we text “N4BBY mobile” or ask what mile marker we’re at. That love for road trips continues on with my family.
My fondest memories of my dad were the times spent at theme parks and train rides with the family. At our last visit to Disney, he was in a wheelchair and would tire easily, but he would power through not to miss a moment. My dad was always thinking of everyone else. Even while in the hospital he was handing out invites to the CP & G Railroad Christmas run that he wasn’t well enough to attend. Throughout his life he volunteered years as a firefighter and donated blood with 300 visits to One Blood.
He loved handing out scratch off lottery tickets. Every visit with my parents, their dog, Pepe, would deliver a ticket to me and the girls. Before he passed away he even made sure the entire family, all 17 of us, had tickets to scratch off on Christmas morning.
I will miss his phone calls to remind me of a space launch or pointing out a constellation in the sky. I carry so many warm memories close to me. They will always make me smile, but I will always want more. I will think of him with every train and trolley I see and every museum and theme park I visit. Our time is finite. We need to embrace every moment with each other and be grateful for what we have.
I was blessed to spend his last night with him and my mom. He passed away warm in his bed, knowing he was loved and cherished by his whole family. I still feel his warm hand holding mine. We love and miss you.
Later gator
Melinda Arvay
January 13, 2025, 9:52 pm
Don and I have known each other almost as long as I’ve known Shirley ( since 1962). We didn’t always get along tho we knew we cared for each other. He had such passion for his Ham radio, trains of all sizes and being a volunteer fireman. Those are admirable qualities. I was always amazed how often he went to The Red Cross to donate blood. Every time I was down for vacation, he would bring me and Shirley scratch offs. I’ll miss that and also our “sparring “. We worked for different phone companies and some interesting conversations.
God speed, Don. You will be missed. 💕