David A DeCoster

David Arthur DeCoster, age 74, Lady Lake, died October 29, 2013. Dr. DeCoster was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 12, 1939 to the late Arthur and Eleanor DeCoster and moved to Citrus County in 2001 from Indiana, Pennsylvania. Dr. DeCoster was an administrator and faculty member at various universities, receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and his doctorate from the University of Florida. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Scholastic Honor Society. During his career in higher education he co-authored four books and contributed numerous chapters and articles to other publications and research journals. He served as a frequent consultant, speaker or external evaluator for colleges, universities and educational organizations throughout the United States. Dave was the recipient of a number of national awards including the Contribution to Knowledge Award in recognition of research, writing and advocacy for the mission of post-secondary education. Other affilitations include the American Association for Higher Education and the American College Personnel Association. His community service activities included membership on the Board of Directors for a number of organizations including crime deterrence, human rights, anti-racism and a rape and domestic violence shelter. Some of Dave’s hobbies and interests included golfing, gardening and antique restoration. Left to cherish his memory are two sons, David M. DeCoster, Kennesaw, GA and Douglas A. DeCoster, Lincoln, NE; his daughter Deborah E. Shrader, Lady Lake, FL; his brother Dennis A. DeCoster, Englewood, FL; his sister Denise A. DeCoster, Hailey, ID; stepchildren Frank, Dawn and Vicki Watson; 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 21 years, Virginia L. Brown on March 3, 2007 and his sister Dale A. Schumaker. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory is assisting the family with private arrangements.