Don E. Drinkhahn
Don Ernest Drinkhahn, 85, of Simpsonville, SC, widower of Glenda E. Drinkhahn, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Born in Monroe, MI, he was a son of the late Ernest and Lucy Blouch Drinkhahn.
Don is survived by three sons, Ted Drinkhahn (Catalina), Ryan Drinkhahn (Jennifer) and John Smith (Veronica); five grandchildren, Jacob Drinkhahn, Joshua Drinkhahn, Daniel Drinkhahn, Zachary Lahocinsky and Calista Lahocinsky; a brother, Paul Drinkhahn; and many nieces and nephews
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Marc Drinkhahn.
Coach Drinkhahn was a man of unwavering dedication who believed that excellence meant being the very best version of yourself, regardless of your path in life. Over 4 decades at South Dade Senior High School, he transformed the lives of countless young men—not just through football, but also as a Driver’s Education teacher teaching the kids to drive. Through coaching and teaching, he provided mentorship and genuine care to so many students at the school making his impact even broader than just football. As the Coach, he spent countless hours copying game highlight films, writing to college coaches, and guiding his players through the college application process, helping hundreds of student’s secure scholarships and opportunities for higher education. His impact extended beyond his own team and school. At times kids from neighboring schools also received help via Don’s college contacts. He enjoyed mentoring student athletes and young coaches who aspired to lead. Coach Drinkhahn’s philosophy was simple but profound: It doesn’t matter what you want to be—doctor, lawyer, construction worker, or garbage man—as long as you give it your absolute best. He lived this philosophy every single day, both in the classroom and on the field.
To his grandsons, Coach was simply “Grandpa”—and they were his greatest pride and joy. Long before that, he was a devoted father to his sons Ted, Ryan, and John, always going above and beyond for them, to the very best of his ability, and showing them the same steadfast love, guidance, and support that became his hallmark in every part of life. That deep commitment to family only grew with time, extending naturally to his grandsons and shaping the way he loved and encouraged them. His love for his family led him to leave his “comfort zone” of South Florida friends and move to Simpsonville, South Carolina to be present in their lives, watching them wrestle and play soccer and flag football, cheering them on with the same passion he brought to everything he did. Through his steady presence and example, he instilled in them the values that defined his own life: faith, grit, dedication, and a commitment to serving others. The memories of his encouragement, guidance, and unconditional love will remain with them forever. Coach Drinkhahn understood that his most important legacy wasn’t measured in wins or losses, but in the young men he helped shape—both on the field and in his own family.
A Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Cannon-Byrd Funeral Home- Simpsonville; 313 North Main Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681. The Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Graceland East Memorial Park, 2206 Woodruff Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29681.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Simpsonville, 3 Hedge Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681, (p) (864) 967-8591. Office hours M-Th, 8-5. Online donation: https://fbsimpsonville.org/give/ -Drop down: ENCOUNTER-UC Simpsonville. In the memo section: In memory of Coach Don Drinkhahn.
On July 25, 2026 at 1:00 pm, a Celebration of Life for Coach Don Drinkhahn will be held at South Dade Senior High Auditorium, 28401 SW 167th Ave, Homestead, Fl 33032. All are welcome to attend.
What a grat human being we have lost! Comfort and peace to his sons, grandchildren, and his brother. Merlyn and Carolyn Seitz
Coach Drink- Thank you for all your dedication and commitment you gave to the great game of football but more importantly, the many young men you helped along the way. You will be missed but never forgotten…
Kelton Copeland- Miami Southridge c/o ‘98
To coaches family
I’m so sad to hear of his passing. He had a lasting impact on me and my teammates at Madison High. His first coaching job was at our school in 1965. We stayed in touch all the yrs since then. I loved coach and Glenda. They were the best. They will be together again in heaven.
The Hudson family
Shout out to SD’s Football God. It was you who put the Hudson’s on the path of greatness. Thank you for the opportunity and the guidance. We learned a lot. You are truly the pioneer and entrepreneur of the game. We will forever appreciate what you done for our family. God Bless you and SD Football Nation.🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Who ever wrote this hit it on the head of the nail. Exactly who Coach Drinkhahn is. He always went above and beyond and I am still learning more about him throughout all these articles and condolences. When you have one of his former athletes from California (Shelby Carvalho) contacting me asking are you coming to the funeral shows how far the impact of Coach’s life truly is. His legacy is living through our lives also. His own family sacrifice so much so Coach Drinkhahn could be a part of ours. They are truly the “Peers of ALL Buccaneers” –
Daniel “Coach K” Kirkpatrick
Years ago while living in Brevard, NC just up the mountain, I called Don and asked him to join me for lunch down his way. Although he has happy to hear from me he apologized that the following month was filled with his kids programs and babysitting the younger ones. We never got together up there and eventually I moved back to Miami. May Gid hold this very special man is his arms as a model to all of what being a good person in life really looks like. Gone but never forgotten, RIP my friend.
Correction: May GOD hold this very special…..
I looked up to Don when I was a young man. He involved me in athletics which gave me confidence in a lot of experiences in my life. I will always be thankful for his encouragement and leadership.
We both enjoyed his entertaining stories when we were at family reunions. Condolences to all who knew Don. He will be truly missed.
Mike and Pat Seitz
My condolences to the Drinkhahn Family. It was a beautiful service and some great testimonies of the coach. He thought me to drive back when I was 16 years old in Drivers Ed class. Don leaves a beautiful family and I know they will continue to spread his love.
RIP Coach Drinkhahn.
Roger and Cassie Coe