Donald G. Farmer, Sr.

Donald G. Farmer, Sr. of Auburndale went home to be with the Lord on September 14, 2023. He was 88.

Don was born on January 22, 1935, in Lexington, KY. He was a graduate of Lakeland High School (1952) and a graduate of Florida Southern College (1956).

Before moving to Lakeland, Don grew up on a farm in Southeastern Kentucky. This experience created a love for the outdoors and agriculture. As a result of this early experience, he devoted most of his professional career as an advocate for both the citrus growers, fruit packing and the agriculture industry. His advocacy and devotion were evident by the 21 years spent in various roles at Florida Citrus Mutual, followed by 9 years as Deputy Director at the Florida Department of Citrus. Then, he served another 9 years as Deputy Director of the Fruits and Vegetable Division and Director of Standards, both at the Florida Department of Agriculture. Don finished 40 dedicated years in support of Florida’s agricultural industry by retiring in 1997.

Don always enjoyed being involved in sports. In earlier years, he enjoyed coaching his boys in Little League baseball and supporting both the Auburndale High School and Florida Southern College basketball programs, as a booster. Whenever he could, Don enjoyed going fishing, turkey hunting, and golfing with family and friends. As his namesake suggests, gardening and growing vegetables for the family and friends were also a passion. He was proud to be recognized as a native Kentucky Colonel. He was a regular contributor to the Florida Southern Citrus Advisory Council and recognized as a key FSC alumnus for his contributions.

Don was a devoted family man and found his greatest joy in being with them. He was a devout and dedicated member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Auburndale. Don blessed those who loved him most with a fun sense of humor and was appreciated for his dependability and the overwhelming size of his heart. In later years, Don could be found most early evenings on his back porch enjoying nature and sometimes, even a cigar.

Don is survived by daughter Kimberlee Farmer Tucker (Drew), son Spencer Farmer (Alicia), and daughter in law Christine Parks Farmer. He and the love of his life Geraldine “Gerry” Farmer, have 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son Donald G Farmer Jr. (Sept. 2022) and wife, Geraldine “Gerry” Watson Farmer (Feb. 2020), and his parents Denver Farmer and Marguerite “Peggy” Lanter Farmer.

The funeral service will be Tuesday, September 19th, at 10 A.M. at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 S. Ingraham Ave, Lakeland, Florida.

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park, 4620 US Hwy 98 S, Lakeland, Florida.