[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 131 (Monday, August 10, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DON PATCHEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. AARON BEAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, August 10, 2026

  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy 
of Donald ``Don'' David Patchen, a decorated Vietnam veteran, longtime 
law enforcement officer, and devoted public servant, who passed away on 
April 21, 2026, at the age of 79.
  Don lived a life defined by courage, service, and a commitment to 
others. From 1966 to 1969, he served our nation in the United States 
Army, including combat duty in the Vietnam War. He was wounded twice in 
service to his country--a reflection of the sacrifice he willingly made 
in defense of our nation and the freedoms we cherish.
  Following his military service, Don joined the Tallahassee Police 
Department, beginning a distinguished 27-year career in law 
enforcement. For 17 of those years, he was a homicide detective, 
including serving as the lead investigator in the Ted Bundy case.
  Later in his career, Don served as a Field Training Officer, where he 
passed on his experience and hard-earned knowledge to the next 
generation of officers.
  Don served for several years as president of the Optimist Club of 
Tallahassee, continuing his lifelong dedication to community and 
supporting others.
  Yet Don was far more than his uniform or badge. He embraced life with 
energy and curiosity. He was a judo champion, a skilled pilot, a 
motorcycle enthusiast, and a competitive dog trainer.
  He is survived by his wife, Diane Bean Patchen; his daughter, Dr. Kim 
Al-Mayyah, and her husband, Hayder; his son, Bubba Carver, and his 
wife, Jenna; his daughter, Ragan Simpson, and her spouse, Paige; and 
his niece, Angela Reynolds.
  Mr. Speaker, as we mark 250 years of American independence, we are 
reminded that our nation's story is carried forward by men and women 
like Don Patchen--those who answered the call to serve and who 
continued that service long after their formal duty ended. Because of 
lives like his, our nation is stronger, and our gratitude is deeper.

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