Donald Allen Besecker

Donald earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Pennsylvania State University not far from his hometown of Pleasant Gap, PA in 1964. He was commissioned into the United States Air Force as 2nd Lieutenant and served as a decorated, active-duty officer from 1964 until 1976. He continued his service to the United States of America with the 191st Security Police Flight Michigan Air National Guard until December 1989 retiring as Major. Donald was also employed as Director of Security and Procurement for the IRS Data Center in Detroit, MI from August 1976 until 1999.

While stationed with the 314th Security Police Squadron, 314th Combat Support Group (TAC) as Chief of Security Police for Sewart Air Force Base in Smyrna, TN, Donald met and married the love of his life; Peggy. In May of 1969, the newlyweds were transferred across the world to Izmir, Turkey where Donald, as a Counter Intelligence Staff Officer, supervised implementation of Allied Command Europe (NATO) security and counterintelligence directives and was a member of the 6th Allied Tactical Air Force Honor Guard. While there, Donald and Peggy welcomed the first of their two children; daughter Tracey in October of 1969.

From May of 1971 until April 1972, Donald was an Inspector General Staff Officer in Vietnam.

Upon returning to the United States in 1972, Donald was assigned to the 23rd Air Division (ADC-NORAD) in Duluth, MN as Director of Security Police. While stationed here, Donald and Peggy welcomed their son Kurt during a blizzard in March of 1974.

During Donald’s tenure with the military he received, among several other awards and commendations, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in a combat environment.

Donald was involved in coaching and managing Livonia youth sports for many seasons. He was his children and grandchildren’s greatest cheerleader with any activity or sport they participated in. Donald was a lifelong fan of Penn State sports, especially football and after retirement he worked in the Braeburn Golf Course pro shop where he was able to continue to enjoy his passion for the game of golf for many years.

Aside from his love of Penn State football and golf, nothing brought him more joy than his friends and family; especially his grandchildren.

Donald is survived by his loving wife, Peggy (Patton) Besecker who he adored; daughter Tracey Besecker and Dr. Richard Staszkow, Sterling Heights, MI; son Kurt and wife Lacy (Clower) and the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Makenna and Colt Besecker, Holly Springs, NC. He is also survived by his brothers Edwin and Ruth (Gramley) Besecker, Millheim, PA and William Besecker, State College, PA as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Donald was predeceased by his father and mother, Albert and Viola Besecker, and his brother Dr. Joseph and Lynne (Fetsko) Besecker.

Family and friends are invited to remember and bid farewell to Donald with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and service following at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 30900 Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152. Interment will follow on June 16, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at the Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI 48442.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of Donald be made to: Tunnel to Towers, PO Box 70719, Philadelphia, PA, 19176-0719 or St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church Memorial Garden, 30900 Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152.