Donald E. Netschke, Jr., 93, passed peacefully into the presence of God May 22, 2026, in Hospice Care, Regency at Augusta, Fishersville VA. He was born in Detroit, MI to Donald E. Netschke and Dorothy Netschke (Lockbihler) and was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather and so much more.

His early years were spent in Springfield, OH, where as a teenager he loved working in the outdoors at surrounding farms. At a young age he became a member of the Ohio National Guard (Army), but an illness caused him to be discharged. Upon recovering he joined the U.S. Navy and served 1952-1956 with time being spent during the Korean War on the USS Essex CVA9 and at Subic Bay Naval Station. After an honorable discharge he began a life’s civilian career with the Air Force and Navy Systems Command. He served as project management officer for the F4 Phantom Aircraft, A7 Corsair Program, and the Tomahawk Cruise Missile program. He received many superior performance awards and a US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Don loved a life of service to others and participated in many civic and charitable organizations. He served as Commander of the Korean War Veterans of the Shenandoah Valley and held various positions in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks including Virginia State President and national Grand Lodge Inner Guard. He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Staunton.

Don loved his family most of all and taught us to embrace life fully, and to love wholeheartedly. His memory will continue to fill us with joy.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bobbye Kimbrough, two daughters, Lisa Belch (Harry) of Round Hill, VA and Donna Dellinger (Morris) of Indian Trail, NC, grandchildren Jessica Stone (Mathew), Emily Belch, Hailey Watson (Richard) Griffin Bean, and great granddaughter, Olivia Stone. stepdaughters Shannon Harris (Chad) of Stuarts Draft VA and Lori Kimbrough of Alexandria VA.

He was pre-deceased by his first love, his wife Mary Netschke (married 51 years); son Donald Netschke III, sister Frances Mendenhall, and grandson Daniel Belch.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Staunton, VA, June 20, 2026, at 1:30. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Virginia Elks Charitable Trust (in memory of Don Netschke) – mail to c/o Tammy Symons, 1937 Airport Road, Winchester, VA 22602 or Hospice of the Shenandoah, Augusta Health, P. O. Box 909, Fishersville, VA 22939.