Donald J. Backe, 84 of Clermont, Florida passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2016. Mr. Backe was born February 19, 1932 in Flint, Michigan to Melvin and Cecilia Donovan Backe.

Don joined the Navy at age 17 and rose through the ranks as a "Mustang officer" and reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He considered his greatest achievement command of the USS Catawba July 1969 until February 1972 when the ship was decommissioned and given to Argentina. He then served his last tour of duty at the Naval Training Center Orlando Florida, retiring from the Navy August 1974 to purse another career as a civilian.
He is survived by Sharon Backe Clermont Fl, son Richard Bates Deerfield Beach Fl, daughter Kristen Bates Winter Springs Fl, and sister Barbara Lavigne of Flint Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in the Memory of Donald Backe to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 N. Randolph Street, Ste 225, Arlington, VA or you can visit www. nmcrs.org.