Donald Dean DeHart

Donald Dean (Don) DeHart, age 89, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away on September 10, 2025, at Legacy Senior Living, where he had been a resident since May 2025. He was born on March 21, 1936, in Holcomb, Missouri.

Don dedicated his life to service and family. His distinguished military career began in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for three years. It was during his time in the USMC that Don first developed a connection to aviation, a passion that would shape the rest of his professional life, and that he would ultimately pass on to his sons. Recognizing his calling, he transferred to the United States Air Force, where he earned a commission and embarked on a career as a navigator and intelligence officer. His service took him around the world, with tours at Connelly AFB in Waco, Texas, Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan (supporting the USAF in Vietnam), following up with an in-country mission at Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam, then RAF Upper Heyford in England supporting NATO, and over his career three tours at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas. He flew dozens of missions in Southeast Asia and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service and bravery. He often shared vivid and captivating stories of his experiences, and was especially proud of the opportunity to serve his country alongside so many fine men and women. He retired from the USAF in 1977.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Judy Marlene (Butler) DeHart; his son, Murray Scott DeHart; his brother, George Albert DeHart; and his parents, Loyde Bruce and Georgia Iola (Stream) DeHart.

He is survived by his two sons, Mark David DeHart (Leigh Ellen (Utley) DeHart) of Abilene, Texas, and Michael Robert DeHart (Leslie DeAnna (Haddock) DeHart of Cleveland, Tennessee; and five grandchildren, Kaitlyn Tyler (DeHart) Burton (Matthew Burton), Kyle Travis DeHart, Tyler Aaron DeHart, Zachary Scott DeHart (Mary Katherine (Owen) DeHart, and Alexis Ann (DeHart) Elle, (Benjamin Jacob Elle). He was immensely proud of all three of his sons and celebrated their accomplishments throughout his life.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Don transitioned his love of interacting with people into a career in retail sales until his retirement. He never met a stranger and will be fondly remembered for his ability to connect with others and share true accounts of his life and love for his family, often leaving those he met with a smile and a story of their own.

Don and Judy will be laid to rest together with full military honors at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on December 5, 2025, followed by a celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Don's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.