David Paul Vachon

David "Dave" Paul Vachon, 95, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025.

Born on September 24, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Wilfrid and Pauline Vachon, Dave lived a long and satisfying life filled with love, family, and lasting friendships. He proudly served in the United States Army and then traveled extensively around the world during his long, distinguished career as an Air Force Civil Service engineer. He was instrumental in the development and world-wide fielding of the USAF air combat maneuvering system (ACMI), ensuring air superiority and enhancing the security of our country. Dave was also a member of Mensa, reflecting his lifelong love of learning and intellectual curiosity.

Dave was an avid boater and a longtime member of the Eglin Yacht Club. His happy place was at the helm or at anchor in one of his favorite coves, enjoying time on the water and sharing those moments with family and friends. His greatest joy, however, was his family his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the absolute light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He always had an ice cream sundae for all visitors, be they children, grandchildren or great grandchildren. The family Easter dinner and Easter egg hunt at his home were long-standing family traditions. His 95 years were a testament to a life well-lived, rich with wisdom & stories, laughter & love.

Dave was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Ann Vachon. He is survived by his loving sister Rose Kunkel Roarty; his second wife of 13 years, Judith Hampel Vachon; his children, Jean Carter (Tommy), Paul Vachon (Sheryl), and Roy Vachon (Elizabeth); his grandchildren, Jason Carter (Molly), David Vachon (Jenna), Kimberly Vachon (Evan), and Jennifer Johnson (Joshua), George Vachon (Rachael), Jamie Vachon (Liz) and his many great-grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm on October 9 at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, followed by funeral services at 2:00 pm. Interment will take place at 3:00 pm at Beal Memorial Cemetery. Afterward, the Vachon family will host a celebration of Dave's life at their longtime family home.