Walter Panich, 89, of Pensacola passed away on December 4, 2013. Walter was born in Detroit, MI on October 22, 1924 to Ely and Anna Panich. He grew up in Detroit and graduated from Southeastern High School in 1942. After graduation, he served his country as a PFC in the US Army, fighting in Europe in World War II. He returned to Detroit and married Elaine Janet Knop on September 6, 1952. They started their family in 1956. In 1961, they moved to Annandale, VA, where Walter continued his employment in Washington, DC with the federal government, eventually rising to become Deputy Chief Inspector for what became known as the Drug Enforcement Agency in the Justice Department. Upon his retirement in 1974, the family moved to Traverse City, MI. In 1984, he and Elaine relocated to Pensacola, FL. Walter's hobbies included golf and woodworking. He also enjoyed playing cards and other games with family and friends. He was a devout Lutheran all his life, most recently at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Pensacola. Walter is survived by his wife, Elaine and his children, David (Mary Anne) Panich of Reston, VA, Donna (Kevin) Heimbaugh of Cary, NC, Susan (Tony) Mammarelli of Pensacola, FL and Peggy (Steve) Kahrs of Canton, MI. He is also survived by his sisters, Mildred Mitrovich and Nellie Krall along with six grandchildren, Melissa and Kristin Heimbaugh, Tony and Joey Bard and Cody and Lauren Kahrs. Memorial Service will be held 11:00am Monday, December 9, 2013 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4600 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola, with Pastor Mary Peterson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Alzheimer's Family Services, 1901 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, FL 32501 would be greatly appreciated by the family. The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Pacifica Senior Living Creekside and Regency Hospice for their outstanding, compassionate care of Walter during his stay and particularly in his final days.