Donald "Don" Bender Eicher

Donald “Don” Bender Eicher, age 80 of Downingtown, PA, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Friday, November 11, 2022.

Don was born on June 18, 1942 in Berwyn, IL to Edward Eicher and Lorraine Bender Eicher. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia and his sister, Joanne. He and his wife Vicki enjoyed 26 years of love, laughter and adventure together.

A 1960 graduate of Lyons Township High School, and a 1964 graduate of Drake University, Don later received his Masters degree from Ball State University. He served seven years in the United States Air Force as an F4 Phantom fighter pilot, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters during the Vietnam War. He went on to a thirty-year career as a commercial salesman with Proctor and Gamble. After retirement, he returned to his love of flying as a Certified Flight Instructor, logging many hours in the sky with Chester County Aviation.

Taught by his grandfather, Don loved golf from an early age. He was a longtime member of Whitford Country Club and looked forward to annual tournaments and golf trips with his friends. He was a master of planning trips and enjoyed traveling with Vicki to see new sights or visit friends. Favorite indulgences included roller coasters, MGs, chocolate desserts and ice cream.

Don was known for his quick wit, open and generous personality, and his huge kind and loving heart. He cherished family and friends; maintaining friendships from his many lives over the years and across the miles. He was a beloved husband, devoted father/stepfather and grandfather, best friend to many, and an all-around great guy.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Jodie (Matthew) Winkler; stepdaughters, Kristin (Chad) Ramsey and Beth (Ryan) Schaffer; grandchildren, Megan, Noah, Luke, Finnley, and Ayla.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 9:30AM - 10:45AM at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc., 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380; followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 am. Relatives and friends are invited to wear bright colors and/or golf attire.

Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Heart Association www.heart.org; J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust https://plattscholar.org; Operation Homefront www.operationhomefront.org ; the Aero Club of PA (scholarships for student pilots) www.aeroclubpa.org; or the 99’s (scholarship fund for female pilots) www.ninety-nines.org.

Those who would like to send condolences to the family or have something to share about Don, his family would love to hear from you at vicki.eicher@outlook.com and jodie.winkler@yahoo.com. Photos welcome.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com.