Obituary of Doras J. Cloum

Doras Joseph “DJ” Cloum was born on September 21, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan to parents Doras and Helen Cloum. He passed from this life at home on February 17, 2022 at the age of 88, with Shirley Cloum, his wife of 13 years at his side, who lovingly cared for him as his health declined over his last years. DJ was married to his first wife Goldie Cloum for fifty years until the time of her death. They raised a family of four children while he embarked on a military career in the U.S. Army that spanned 24 years, three foreign countries, and four states, with three combat tours—one in Korea and two in the Republic of Vietnam. He followed his federal service by still serving in uniform as a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor at Haines City High School for 16 years until retirement. DJ had a strong sense of faith and was committed to helping others. He was active in the Catholic Church his entire life, where he served in a variety of ministries. DJ is survived by his wife Shirley; children: Gail (James) Knapp, Stephen (Terri) Cloum, John Cloum, Matthew (River) Cloum, Grandchildren: Sarah (Mariko Yoshioka) Lanius, Marissa (Bobby) Godwin, Caitlin (Max) Jones, Stephen M. Cloum, Ryan Cloum, Nathaniel Cloum, Sapphire Cloum, Great-grandchildren: Lucy Jones, Hunter Godwin, Juliana Jones, Bennett Jones, and Savannah Godwin. He was preceded in death by first wife Goldie, his parents, and three brothers. He was also preceded by his beloved aunt and uncle, Jennie and Everett Kimberlin. There will be a funeral Mass at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 1991 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven, FL, 33884 on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 9:00am, immediately followed by inurnment in the Saint Matthew Cemetery Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Catholic Charities of Central Florida by visiting their website at www.cflcc.org/donate.