Robert Anthony Backel

Robert Anthony Backel,  passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Robert was born, in Steubenville, Ohio on April 13, 1940 to Karl and Anntonette Backel.   He was a 50 year resident of Gautier, MS and longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  He received a Masters Degree from the University of Southern MS and held several positions in The American Legion during his 20 year membership.  Robert served in the United States Navy retiring after 20 years of service, receiving the National Defense Medal and 3 Vietnam Service Medals, a Navy Expeditionary Medal, and 5 Good Conduct Medals. He also received the USS SALMON Submarine Force’s First Golden Anchor award. Following, his military service he continued to support the military efforts working at Ingalls Shipbuilding for 30 years. This husband, father, grandfather and friend will be missed greatly.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents and survived by Donna, his wife of 60 years; his brother John (Janet) Backel of Weirton, WV; his son Mike (DeAnna) Backel of Madison, MS; daughters Kim (Tommy) Dorsey of Pascagoula, MS, Jennifer (Greg) Wilkerson of Hernando, MS, and Christi Pitts (Dario Chacon) of Pascagoula, MS, grandchildren Ann Marie (Jake) Lindgren, Camden Backel, Luke Dorsey, Landon (Cameron) Wilkerson, Blake Backel, Avery Wilkerson and Ella Pitts.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 11:00AM-1:00PM at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula.  Funeral service will begin at 1:00PM in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Albert Wilkerson of Hernando, MS officiating. Interment will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 10:00 at Biloxi National Cemetery.  Pallbearers include Camden Backel, Landon Wilkerson, Blake Backel, Avery Wilkerson, Luke Dorsey (Tommy Dorsey) and Jake Lindgren.

The family would like to express their heart felt appreciation to the many friends, family, doctors and medical staff, for your love and support.

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