Cdr. Donald L. "Don" Panhorst, USN (ret.), age 87, of Pensacola, was called home April 26, 2019. He was born in St. Clair, MO on March 11, 1932. Don was married for over 65 years to the love of his life, Dorothy May Panhorst. He was a proud U.S. Navy retiree, serving for 23 years with five active duty and 18 in the reserves. Don earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Central College, in Missouri, and a Masters of Music, Performers Certificate in Saxophone, and Doctorate of Musical Arts from Eastman School of Music, New York. He started his career as a music educator In Rochester, NY, then spent many years at Edinboro University, where he taught Music and Speech, served as Director of Bands, and was Department Chair of the Music and Drama departments. He was also Dean of Continuing Education, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, and served on many academic committees. After his retirement the University granted him emeritus status in recognition of his distinguished service.

Don was a published author, having written for several music magazines and published a book on leadership. He was a long-time member of Toastmasters International, where he led workshops, seminars, and served on the Executive Committee and as District Governor.

After retiring Don moved to Pensacola, where he remained active as a consultant, seminar leader, volunteer tour guide at the Naval Aviation Museum, and mediator.   He was also a visiting scholar who taught for several months at Zibo University in China. Don was an accomplished saxophone player with the Pensacola Civic Band for many years.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Cora Kellogg; sister, Zoe Northcutt; and step-father, Bob Kellogg.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife; Dorothy May Panhorst of Pensacola; sister Charlotte Stahlman (Carl) of Grubville, Missouri; children, Lynda (David) Lawrence of Woking, England and David (Dorothy) Panhorst of Morristown, New Jersey; granddaughters, Elizabeth Reed and Jennifer (Tom) Minall of England; great-granddaughters, Phoebe and Penny Reed of England; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service and inurnment will be announced at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

The family offers special thanks to the staff at Azalea Trace / Willowbrooke Court for their kindness, compassion and professionalism.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Fisher House Foundation, 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy., Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852, or to Eastman School of Music, Office of Advancement, 26 Gibbs Street, Rochester NY 140604, or a charity of your choice.