Duane M. Davis

Duane Madison Davis (Colonel, Ret.) entered his heavenly home on November 11, 2017. Duane was born the son of Claude and Pansie Davis on July 10, 1933 in Indianapolis, IN.

After graduating from Purdue University, he went to work for Westinghouse Electric Corporation who granted him a fellowship to further his education and receive a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburg.  In 1957, Duane entered the Air Force. His 25-year career with the Air Force included assignments as a B-47 pilot with the 340th Bombardment Wing and piloting the AC-47 “Spooky” gunship with the 14th Special Operations Wing, 4th Special Operations Squadron out of Plieku, Vietnam. Duane received his Ph. D. from Purdue University and served as an Associate Professor of Aeronautics at the USAF Academy. He continued to serve at the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory, Wright Patterson AFB and attend Air War College, Maxwell AFB. Duane retired with the rank of Colonel as Deputy for Surface Attack, Armament Division, Eglin, AFB. He received multiple commendations during his service including the Vietnam Service Medal w/4olc, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor 3olc, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Duane enjoyed many years as a member of the Bluewater Bay Sailing Club and the Niceville United Methodist Church.

Duane is survived by his wife of 42 years Jeanie, his brother Donald and sister-in-law Marlene Day; his son Dan Davis; his son Daryl and daughter-in-law Andrea Davis; his daughter Lisa and son-in-law Rene Casadaban; his six grandchildren Krystal Claus, Alyssa, Derek and Nathan Davis, Davis and Avery Casadaban; and his four great-grandchildren Isabelle, Rebeca, Allison and Abigail Clause.

A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, November 16, 1:00p.m. at Crosspoint United Methodist Church in Niceville with a one hour visitation just prior to the service. Interment with full Military Honors will follow at Heritage Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Asbury Theological Seminary. Please send checks to Rev. Edward Chandler, Crosspoint United Methodist Church, 214 S. Partin Drive, Niceville, FL. Reverend Chandler will get all gifts to Asbury Seminary.

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