Most Worshipful Donald W. Cowart was born in Gainesville, Florida, where he spent his formative years. In 1966 he moved to Brandon, Florida, where he attended High School graduating in 1969. Shortly thereafter, he was employed as a cable splicer by General Telephone and Electronics. Three years later he was promoted to Plant Construction Manager while pursuing his undergraduate studies at Hillsborough Community College. He retired in 2010 ending his 41 year career at the same company.

In 1978 Most Worshipful Cowart, received the Three Symbolic Degrees of Freemasonry at Temple Terrace Lodge No. 330. He affiliated with Brandon Lodge No. 114 in 2007. He was elected Worshipful Master in 2013 and later served for five years as the Lodge Secretary.

From 2014 to 2018 he was appointed Zone and District Committee Chairmanship for Membership Development, Grand Master’s Charity, and as State Chairman for the Grand Master’s Coin Sales. He was a Member of the Masonic Jurisprudence Committee for three years.

He was appointed as District Deputy Grand Master for the 20^th Masonic District by Most Worshipful Steven P. Boring in 2015 and served as Senior Grand Steward in 2017 for Most Worshipful Richard G. Hoover. In 2018, he received a Lifetime Appointment as The Grand Lodge of Florida’s Grand Representative to the Grand Orient do Parana, Brazil. He was a member of the Corporate Board in 2019 and was also entrusted the distinguished appointment of Grand Marshal.

For his exemplary devotion and commitment to the Fraternity, Most Worshipful Cowart was recognized and received the prestigious J.P. Duval Award of Excellence and two Grand Master’s Eagle Awards for his outstanding effort and dedication in serving the Craft.

Brother Cowart is a member of the following Allied and Appendant Bodies: Scottish Rite, Valley of Tampa; York Rite, Plant City Chapter No. 16, R.A.M., Tyler Council No. 4, R. & S.M., Plant City Commandery No. 6, KT; Egypt Shriners; Zendah Grotto; Order of the Eastern Star, DeSoto Chapter No. 201; Royal Order of Scotland, Maxwell Klan; Master Mason Association of Hillsborough County; and the Brandon Shrine Club.

Most Worshipful Cowart was elected and served as Junior Grand Warden in 2021; Senior Grand Warden in 2022; Deputy Grand Master in 2023; and at the 195^th Annual Grand Lodge Communication in 2024 was installed as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of the State of Florida. He and his wife Dell currently reside in Valrico, Florida. Both enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family. He is looking forward to serving and leading the Craft to Fraternal Excellence.