David Verheyn

David Alan Verheyn David Alan Verheyn, age 61, passed away, March 31, 2008 in Gulf Breeze FL. He was born October 11, 1946 in Lenoxdale MA, and has resided in Gulf Breeze for the past 20 years. He was a 1964 graduate of Lenox Memorial High School and a distinguished Vietnam Veteran. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Navy Cross, our nation's second-highest wartime medal, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a team leader with the Second Platoon, Company A, First Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations in the Republic of Vietnam. His heroism was cited in the book titled, "Honor the Warrior," a Vietnam memoir, written by William L. Myers. The chapter entitled "The Longest Night" describes in excruciating detail, the battle of 11 Marines in the Central Highlands of Vietnam on February 3, 1967. Although wounded himself, his valor saved the lives of his fellow marines. He was an executive sales director with National Distributing Company until his retirement in 2004. David was an avid deep-sea fisherman and won numerous tournaments in the Gulf region as well as taking deep-sea fishing trips to Costa Rica with his buddies. His parents, Gladys and Marcel Verheyn, a sister Constance Rudnik and a beloved daughter, Brandie Lynn Veheyn, preceded David in death. His surviving family includes his devoted wife, Betty Baldwin Verheyn, his son Ryan Verheyn and grandson Nathan Stalzer of Austin, TX, a stepson Bryan Baldwin and step grandchildren, Aaron and Trevor of Gainesville FL, a brother Donald Verheyn of Flint MI and a sister Joan Wellington of Otis MA as well as 5 adoring nieces and a nephew. He also leaves behind another daughter, Christine Cole, and two grandchildren, Lindsay and Alex Cole of Center, MI. The family will receive friends Tuesday April, 8th at 11:00 am at Rose Lawn Funeral Home, 2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze FL where services will be held. Interment will follow at 1:15 pm Tuesday at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends at their home ( 1118 Sunset Lane, Gulf Breeze) following graveside service Donations may be made to: Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund 825 College Blvd Suite 102 PMB 609 Oceanside, CA 92057 www.injuredmarinesfund.org Arrangements entrusted to Rose Lawn Funeral Home of Gulf Breeze. "You may offer condolences, share memories and sign the guestbook at www.roselawn-fh.com"

Visitation

Visitation

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
11:00 AM

Service

Graveside Service

Barrancas National Cemetery
Hovey Road
Pensacola, FL
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
1:15 PM

Memorial Service

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
11:30 AM