Don Clifton Kilgore Sr., 73, of Plant City, died Oct. 17, 2015.
Mr. Kilgore was a lifelong resident of East Hillsborough County, and his family helped to settle the area known as Hopewell that sits just outside of Plant City.
He helped to co-author the book, “Hopewell Pioneers,” and was a lifelong member of Hopewell Baptist Church.
He went to the University of South Florida for his undergraduate schooling and obtained a degree in elementary education and minor in sociology before he went on to attend the University of Florida’s law school, where he obtained his law degree.
Upon returning home from college, he served as a member of the Hillsborough County School Board before being elected the youngest county judge. He was an outstanding citizen as well as an unconditional loving father who would do anything for his children.
He is survived by his daughters, Kym Hooker (Jackson) and Keri Kilgore; son, Sean Kilgore; granddaughters, Alix and Jacey Hooker; grandson, Finnian Glenn Kilgore; brother, Dr. John M. Kilgore (Cindy); and niece and nephew, Hope and Kyle Kilgore.
He was preceded in death by his father, Madison Adair Kilgore; mother, Hilda McDonald Kilgore Cooper; son, Don Clifton Kilgore Jr., and granddaughter, Adaira Emilie Kilgore.
A celebration of life was held Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Hopewell Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
