Jeffrey Paul Nowalk

Jeffrey Paul Nowalk, 64, of Panama City Beach, Florida, peacefully passed away on November 11, 2025, surrounded by his family as they held him in their arms.

 

Jeff was born in El Paso, Texas on May 19, 1961, to his loving mother, Jane Ann Nowalk, and father, Charles Lawrence Nowalk (“Chuck”). Jeff is one of Jane and Chuck’s five children, and Jeff is survived by his siblings, Joseph Nowalk, Cynthia Nowalk, John Nowalk, and James Nowalk.

 

As a child, Jeff lived in Hawaii where he developed his love for the ocean and scuba diving. His childhood dream was to dive with Jacques Cousteau, and his dream brought him to Texas A&M where he proudly graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering. Gig ‘em, Aggies!

 

While attending Texas A&M, Jeff met the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Yeager-Nowalk (“Lisa”). Jeff drew Lisa’s attention with a hand gesture over his eye that forever became a symbol of their love. Jeff and Lisa moved to Bethesda, Maryland after college. They had two children in Maryland, Nathan Charles Nowalk and Hannah Nowalk Watson.

 

In 1994, Jeff and his family moved to Panama City Beach, Florida where Jeff always wanted to live. Jeff used his Ocean Engineering degree at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City Beach. In 2014, Jeff earned a Master’s Degree from the United States Naval Academy. Jeff retired from the Naval Surface Warfare Center in 2021.

 

Jeff was lovingly loyal to his family and the Atlanta Braves. He warmed his home with his cooking, and he always encouraged his children to achieve their dreams. Jeff believed they could do anything if they worked hard enough and never gave up. He was very proud of his children who used the intelligence, intellectual curiosity, and grit Jeff gave them to become a doctor (Nathan) and a lawyer (Hannah).

 

Jeff will be deeply missed by his wife of 40 years, Lisa (63), his son, Nathan (36), daughter in law, Lauren Nowalk (36), daughter, Hannah (34), son in law, Gregory Watson (45), and grandson, Leo (5).  

 

 

*****

 

In lieu of flowers, Jeff’s family asks for donations to the Man in the Sea Museum in Panama City Beach, Florida. This museum is across the street from where Jeff lived for over 30 years. At the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Jeff worked on a lot of what you will find in this museum. By donating, you can help remember Jeff’s legacy and keep young people – like the little boy who wanted to dive with Jacques Cousteau – curious about the ocean.