Donald D Forsht Sr.

Donald D. Forsht was born one of 11 children in Penn. He was a WWII Navy vet & a Detective w/ Maryland Police Dept., a retired US Marshal, a pilot, businessman, husband, father & grandfather. Don passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 26, 2019.

He entered the Navy before he was 18 where he fought the Japanese off Alaska, went on to serve on the USS Randolph in the Philippine islands & helped to evacuate the islands of Nagasaki & Hiroshima at the end of the war.

Don returned to Maryland, married Ella Francis, a beautiful young woman & they went on to have 3 children, Donna, Dino & Debbie.

He became a U.S. Marshal in 1955 after moving to Miami, Fl. in 1960. Don is one of three Marshal's that are credited with creating the modern U.S. Marshal Service. In the early 60's during the Civil Rights movement he was tasked with helping to protect students in the newly desegregated state of Mississippi. In '63 the Miami Herald published articles about the contributions U.S. Marshal Forsht made in these historical times.

Don has personal letters of thanks from President John F. Kennedy & Attorney General Bobby Kennedy for Don's successful efforts during that period. Don was also honored during the ceremonies at the 50th Anniversary Celebration in Mississippi.

Don made history in many events before retiring from the U.S. Marshall Service in 1982.

He went on to open a P.I. Firm & opened Secure-All, a successful car auction business.

Don also had an amazing 10 years of ballroom dancing to his credit. He was consistently the winner in his age group in every dance style. He traveled around the country & locally, performing with his Arthur Murray partners. Great memories!

Don passed Saturday at the age of 91. His wife, Ella predeceased him. He is survived by his children Donna D. Gnaegy (Michael J.), Donald D. Jr., (Lynn S.) and Debra D. Morris, (Thomas R.). He left behind 7 grandchildren; Bradford, Gregory, Sandra, Rachel, Nick, Brandon, Dylan, and Jennifer; & many great grandchildren.

We also thank those who cared for him as much as his family..D., Paul & J. P.

His funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 3, (his wedding anniversary) at the Palms Funeral Home in Naranja, Fl. (His full obit is on their web-site). The viewing will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00.

The Memorial Service begins at 1:00. All who'd like to honor him are invited.

He truly was a legend in his own time...