Donald A. Kiah, 99, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away on September 27, 2026.

He was born on November 23, 1926, in Salisbury, Maryland to the Reverend James A. and Mrs. Novella Kiah.  Due to the death of three siblings and both parents at a very young age, he was reared by his stepmother, Catherine B. Kiah.

After graduating from high school in 1944, Don decided the next week to join the U.S. Army Specialized Training Program.  He later served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the CBI (China, Burma, India).

After the war, with a strong desire to continue his education, he returned to school earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Howard University and three degrees from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., the last of which was his Doctorate Degree in education. 

In 1951, Don married Dolores Johnson, and from this union one child was born, Donald Addison, in 1952.  It was during this year that Don became an employee of the Prince George's County, Maryland, School System, where he served as teacher, vice principal, and middle and high school principal until retiring in 1986.  He was a strong force in the system.

In 1986, following retirement, Dolores and Don moved to Punta Gorda, Florida.  In Charlotte County, his sense of community involvement became pronounced as follows: Council on Aging, Vice President; Boy Scout Council; Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, Board of Directors for 4 years and President in 1990; Executive Director of the Charlotte County School Administrators Association for 10 years; Adjunct Professor of Education at Edison College for 18 years; Board of Directors for the Scholars Club; New Operation Cooper Street board member, President and Co-chairman of the Board of Directors; and Punta Gorda Kiwanis Club member since 1988.

Donald and Dolores were faithful members of Burnt Store Presbyterian Church since moving to Florida.  Donald has served as an Elder and his ashes will become a part of the Memorial Garden at the church.