Donald Forbes

Donald Lee Forbes, 86, died at home on December 1, 2015, following three decades of dodging that fate.

He leaves his sons, Andrew and his wife, Claudia, of Hillsboro, Va., and David and his wife, Kristan, of Falls Church, Va.; four grandchildren, Grace, Chance, Holden and Daisy; his Goldendoodle, Missy: and many friends.

Don was born in St. Joseph, Mo., to Harry Mahall Forbes and Hertha Iva (McCombs) Forbes.  In Don’s early teens, the family relocated to Albuquerque, N.M.  After attending high school in Albuquerque, he enrolled at the University of New Mexico, where he discovered beer and girls, to the detriment of his academic pursuits. As a result, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

Shortly after joining the Navy, Don received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, resulting in a twenty-five-year career, including various assignments in Naval intelligence, and command of the submarine USS Chopper (SS342), known in Naval history for its accidental “deep dive”, in which Don was instrumental in saving the lives of the entire crew.  After retiring from the Navy, Don was involved in a series of business ventures in Albuquerque, and then returned to the Washington, D.C. area, working as a defense contractor until the early 1990’s.  Don then retired a second time, and moved to Onancock, Va., where he was an agent for Mason-Davis Realtors.  In Onancock, Don was a member of multiple groups and organizations, including the Elks, Lions Club, VFW, a beekeeping club, and a card playing group that met in the backroom at the House of Deals.

Don’s passions included sailing, fishing, hunting, cooking, reading, and Knob Creek bourbon.

A wake will be held at his home in Onancock on Sunday, December 13, from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m.  The service of committal will be held at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium, Monday, December 28, at 11:00 a.m.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.