Donald Herbert Wadsworth

Dr. Donald H. Wadsworth, age 90, of Tampa, FL, passed into Glory on September 25, 2024, surrounded by loving family members. A lifetime resident of Tampa, Donald was born on March 27, 1934, and graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1952. There he met his sweetheart, Laura Eiler Wadsworth, to whom he was married and lived a joyous life with for 69 years.

Donald is predeceased by: his parents; brother, Gerald; and his sons Kurt and Brett Wadsworth. Donald and his surviving wife Laura E. Wadsworth were blessed with an extensive family including; his surviving daughters Stacie, Dacia, and Linda; his many grandchildren Dacia Lynn, Kurt Jr., Alex, Samantha, Donald, Sara, Natalie, Nathan, Ryan, Timothy, Lauren, Katie, Aaron, Ashley, and Anthony; and his beloved great grandchildren, numbering over 20.

Donald retired in 2001 as a well-respected Oral Surgeon having served the Tampa area for over 40 years. After completing his Residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA, he joined the United States Air Force as a Captain in 1958. A very active member in the community throughout his life, Donald served as President of both the Hillsborough County Dental Association and North Tampa Rotary Club where he is recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Other community organizations in which he was involved or helped develop include The Museum of Science and Industry, the USF Bulls Basketball team where he served as volunteer medical staff, and Odyssey of the Mind, helping his granddaughter take her team to the national level competition. But most of all, Donald’s greatest passion was as an avid hunter and fisherman, teaching his children and grandchildren the love of the sport and an appreciation for creation. He and Laura also very much enjoyed traveling the world together. In his years since childhood, Donald spent much of his time with friends and family at his beloved hunting camp or on the water fishing and skiing. He also enjoyed time at home in his orchard growing fruits, vegetables, and orchids, and keeping bees. Often quiet and introspective, Donald will be remembered by all who love him as a beacon of wisdom, pillar of generosity, and wellspring of kindness.

A service will be held for Donald at the Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church and Cemetery, located at 10232 FL-674 in Wimauma, Florida 33598, on October 5th, 2024. Additional details are forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.