Elmer H. Duff

Lieutenant Colonel Elmer H. Duff, Retired, United States Air Force Augusta Lieutenant Colonel Elmer H. Duff, Retired, United States Air Force, age 92, of Augusta, MI, died Friday morning, October 3, 2008, at his residence. Elmer was born on March 14, 1916 in Sewickley, PA and was the son of Charles E. and Hulda A. (Wagner) Duff. He retired in 1965 from the United States Air Force, where he had been a Combat Fighter Pilot during World War II with The Flying Tigers; during the Korean Conflict, in which he was shot down behind enemy lines and the Vietnam War. Elmer had been a former member of both Richland's Masonic Lodge and Order of Eastern Star Lodge. He was a member of the Retired Officers Association and his passion was woodworking. Elmer made almost anything you could imagine! On January 19, 1947 in Corapolis, PA, Elmer was united in marriage to the former, Esther A. Morrison, who preceded him in death on November 1, 1986. Surviving are his two daughters: Karen L. Duff and Suzzanne J. (Alan Erickson) Duff, both of Kalamazoo; his son: Michael H. Duff of Augusta; two granddaughters: Jennifer (Keith) Moss and Emily Durham; and two great-grandchildren: Anna and Ryan Moss. He was also preceded in death by parents and his brother, William. At the request of Elmer, "Gull Lake Café Hot Dog Days Party To Celebrate His Last Flight" will be held on Saturday, October 18th at The Bayview Gardens, 12504 East D Avenue (Gull Lake), Richland from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Final interment will be in Ross Center Cemetery, Ross Township. Memorial contributions in Elmer's honor may be made to the Wounded Warriors of America, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517. The Farley-Estes & Dowdle Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is in charge of all the arrangements. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com