Donald “Don” L. Pace, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2026. Donald Lee Pace was born to Lucille (McCormick) and Donald James Edward Pace in Princeton, IN on November 6, 1933.

Don’s family traveled for his father’s job, and eventually settled in Jeffersonville, Indiana where he worked for his father at Pace & Son Electric. Don graduated from New Albany High School and then from Indiana University in Bloomington where he received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.

Don was stationed overseas in Europe and Southeast Asia (Thailand), as well as a tour of duty in Vietnam. While stationed in Panama, he met the love of his life. He also was stationed at several military bases across the US. Lt. Colonel Pace retired to the Hampton Roads area, living in Phoebus, then Hampton, and finally Chesapeake.

Don loved to tell expressive stories of his youth and of his travels. After retirement, he and his wife, Beth, traveled extensively, finding one adventure after another to fuel those stories. His favorite expression was “Outstanding!”. He would often help his neighbors when there was a problem with their house, car, or yard. Growing up he accumulated a wealth of knowledge for fixing what’s broken. His family often joked that he should start a business and call it Handy Don. He was graciously altruistic and gave to several of his favorite charities and often to people in need in the community. Don was full of love to share and would daily ask his wife, “Have I told you today that I love you?”, and would always end a phone call with family by saying, “I love you.” Don loved the game of golf and when he could no longer play, he followed the greats in their tournaments. He also enjoyed football. He would read every word of at least two newspapers a day, sharing articles with his wife, or sending articles to one of their children. He insisted that his children have a good understanding of the communities they live in, and of the world. Don L. Pace lived an “Outstanding” life!

Don is survived by his wife of 47 years, Irma “Beth”; daughter, Rebecca Varilek (Wayne) of Nags Head, NC; sons, David Pace (Penny) of West Chester, PA, and Jeffrey Pace (Lynn) of Hampton, VA; stepson, Scott Schimming (Tiffany) of Kansas City, MO; sisters, Lauralee Purcell of Fort Wayne, IN, and Virginia Gohmann of New Albany, IN; ten grandchildren and their spouses; eight great-grandchildren; and many, many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Anne Taylor Pace, and a grandson, Adam Bennett Pace.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Vero of Chesapeake for all the care they gave and showed to Don.

To honor Don’s passion for vision health, please consider a contribution to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. Memorials can be made at www.macular.org/want-to-help/donate.