Donald A. Besch, Jr., 63, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6, 2014 at Covenant Hospice Inpatient and Palliative Care Center. Don Besch was born at Camp Lejeune, NC on November 11, 1950. A graduate of Escambia High School, he joined the United States Army in August of 1970 as a Helicopter Repairman. He served as a Crew Chief and Door Gunner aboard a UH-1 Huey in Vietnam. During his time of service (1970-1975), he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam National Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. After leaving the Army, he returned to Pensacola and worked as an aircraft mechanic and repairman and a tractor-trailer truck driver. Don, Jr. is preceded in death by his father, Donald A. Besch, Sr. and his mother, Esther L. Besch. He is survived by brothers; Mike (Ann) Besch of Akron, OH and Greg (PokSon) Besch of Achworth, GA; sister, Mary (Cliff) Middlebrooks of Goodland, KS; nieces and nephews, MeLynda Besch, Ray Besch, A.J. Miano, Terry Besch, Rose Besch, Rebekah (Middlebrooks) Brown, Rachael Middlebrooks, David Middlebrooks, Daniel Middlebrooks and Joshua Middlebrooks. Great-nieces and great-nephews include Cheyanne Besch, Chris Besch and Reid Besch. He is also survived by close friends, Peggy Besch and Larry Roloph, both of Pensacola, FL. In his spare time he was an avid NASCAR fan and devoted Alabama football fan. He also enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family and spoiling his beloved and loyal dog, Daisy. Philippians 1:3-"I thank my GOD in all my remembrance of you"! Don Besch, you will always be loved and alive in our hearts and memories and will be greatly missed. A Funeral Procession will depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 10:30am Tuesday, July 15, 2014, for Graveside services at 11:00am at Barrancas National Cemetery, Chaplain Ken Griffin will officiate and military honors will be observed. "The BAMA Fan" All teams must see a change of hands Good time have come and gone But long as there are BAMA fans The spirit lingers on. The BAMA fan is heart and soul Of this legendary team They're the reason millions hold The TIDE in high esteem Though other teams do sometimes win Just ask a BAMA fan More often, when the TIDE ROLLS in The ship will hit the sand! ROLL TIDE The family wishes to express gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Baptist Hospital and to the staff at West Florida Covenant Hospice Inpatient and Palliative Care Center.