David Paul Palkowski, Sr.

David Paul Palkowski Sr., age 84, died peacefully in his Fort Walton Beach, FL home on January 30, 2020. Mr. Palkowski was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sylvia Ann Palkowski; and two children, Patrick Leo Palkowski and Lynn Ann Palkowski. He is survived by three children, Michael Paul Palkowski, David Paul Palkowski, Jr., and Joan Palkowski Jones; and grandchildren, David Eugene Palkowski, Melissa Ball, Michael Palkowski, Danielle Palkowski, Patrick Palkowski, Benjamin Palkowski, Jonathan Palkowski, Rachel Fayard Johns, and Cameron Palkowski.

Mr. Palkowski was born in Jackson, MI to Paul and Elizabeth Palkowski. After graduating high school, David enlisted in the US Air Force and began his military career in Fairbanks, AK as a B-29 crewman and member of a weather squadron affectionately called the “Typhoon Goons.” David went on to graduate from Officer Candidate School and commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant headed for navigator training in Harlingen and then Waco, TX.

Mr. Palkowski is a decorated veteran and Bronze Star recipient, having served with distinction as a C-130 navigator flying combat rescue missions during the Viet Nam war.

After Captain Palkowski’s retirement from the military, David found success as a master carpenter and accomplished builder who translated his love for woodworking and exacting standards into a successful business enterprise. He was a lifelong member of BPOE Lodge #1795 on Okaloosa, Island, FL.

A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 from 5:00-7:00pm at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on February 5, 2020. David will join his life’s love, Sylvia, in eternal rest during a 1:00pm interment at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL.