Donald Paul Anthony Bednar

Donald Paul Anthony Bednar, age 91, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away on January 12, 2023.  Donald was born in Westville, Illinois where he attended St. Mary Catholic School.  After graduating from Westville High School, Donald attended the University of Illinois.  He later attended UCLA with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering and later received his Masters in Applied Math.  Donald also attended seminars and frequent Continuing Education Programs.

Don served in the United States Marine Corps from 1948 – 1952 (Korean Vet) and was presented with an award as an Expert Rifleman.

In August of 1953, Donald married Maryl A. Wills at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Danville, Illinois.

Don had several professions such as an Ordinance Engineer, Program Manager, North American Aviation; Ordinance Section Chief of the Magnavox Systems Engineering Department for 20 years, and Armaments Engineer Ordinance at Eglin AFB from November 1973 to January 1998.  He had several patents during his professional career.

Don was an avid golfer and tennis enthusiast winning many tournaments.  He had a master’s in Bridge and enjoyed the challenge of Poker.  He was a serious reader and student of History and Economics.  As a 12-year-old, he won a state contest and won an award in a competition writing on how he was “Proud to be an American” and also one on “The Bill of Rights”.

He is survived by his wife, Maryl, of Fort Walton Beach; sons, Kenneth (Lori) Bednar, of Miami, and Mark (Constance) Bednar, of Pensacola; brother, Captain USN Ret., Edmond J. Bednar; nephew, Michael Bednar, and niece, Martie Bednar.

His mother, Anna Russian, predeceases him as well as his sister, Mildred Atwood.

A visitation will take place on Monday, January 23, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Fort Walton Beach followed by a memorial mass at 10:00 a.m.  A reception will be held immediately at the Life Center at Saint Mary Catholic Church.

Donald will be laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.

Don was a true family man who loved and admired everyone – particularly those who sought to better their knowledge.  He admired how his sons had a good value system – like the one he had.  He prayed and impressed others with his faith in God – he lived the life of a Godly Man.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Paul Anthony Bednar, please visit our floral store.