Maj Gen Donald L. "Ret" Marks

Donald Marks, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025. Born September 29, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Don lived a life defined by courage, service, and unwavering love for his country and family. A proud valedictorian of Roger Bacon High School (1953), Don pursued his passion for understanding the human spirit, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati in 1957. That same year, he commissioned into the United States Air Force through ROTC, joking that he chose the Air Force over the Army because he didn't have to march-a lighthearted decision which launched a legendary 33-year military career. In 1961, Don married Susan Rodenfels of Columbus, Ohio, Together, they raised four children, navigating over 24 moves from Georgia to Maine: California to Virginia and Nebraska to Guam. Don's military service was extraordinary. He flew 355 combat missions in Vietnam from Phang Rang and logged over 7,500 flying hours in aircraft including the B-47, B-52, KC-135, KC-10, and C-123. He flew multiple military airplanes around the world. He experienced a takeoff on an aircraft carrier in which he told Sue was quite exciting. After Vietnam, he was tasked to debrief a returning American Prisoner of War, offering comfort and strength. He carried the nuclear football for Vice President Spiro Agnew, commanded the Strategic Air Command's airborne nerve center "Looking Glass," and led the first KC-10 deployment to Egypt. His leadership was marked by integrity, innovation, and a deep love of flight-where he found peace among the clouds. Don continued to soar, earning his private pilot's license at Offutt Aero Club in Nebraska. He furthered his education attending senior and executive level management courses at the University of Pittsburgh and John F. Kennedy's School of Government, Harvard University, culminating his career as Chief of Staff at Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB. Retiring in 1991 they landed in Shalimar, Florida, Don and Sue embraced civilian life with zest. He was an avid golfer, aviator, sailor, Master Bridge player, and a Second-Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Don played golf around the world but found Florida golf courses more to his liking. He held leadership roles at the Fort Walton Yacht Club. His grandchildren learned basic sailing at FWYC. Later as Captain of his Pearson 32 "Skram," he explored coastal waters with his family. Don with his wife Sue traveled by land, seas and air. With adventures across the globe logging over 33 cruises with family and close friends. Don's love for the Cincinnati Reds never waned-he was honored as a "Hometown Hero" in 2016 and cherished meeting Pete Rose in 2015. Unofficially he refereed his daughter Tami's basketball games in his signature striped shirt. Neighbors could often see him doing ropes and calisthenics in his garage or swimming laps in his pool. Above all, Don was a patriot and family man. He mentored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, inspiring military service in his sons, nephew, and grandson. Known affectionately as "General" to friends and "Papa" to his grandchildren. His grandchildren knew he loved ice-cream and often shared with them. It was nearly impossible for him to find the perfect martini…but he tried as often as he could! Don remained connected to his roots, keeping in touch with classmates from his kindergarten days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Dorothy Marks, and his brother, Patrick. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sue and their adult children; Timothy (Stacey) Donna Sue, Michael (Jill) and Tamara (Jerald); grandchildren Zachary (Alana), Victoria, Erin, Matthew and Evan; great-grandchildren Owen and Maeve; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Join us at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church Funeral Mass, November 1, 2025, at 2 p.m. Interment at Barrancas National Cemetery on November 3, 2025, 11:30 a.m., Pensacola, Florida, with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mended Heart #399 c/o Tami Groth 202 Dolphin Estates Ct, Destin FL 32541