Duane Edward "SuperFixIt" Snipes

Duane Edward Snipes, 88, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, in San Clemente, California. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Duane lived a full and meaningful life marked by service, creativity, and deep faith.

Born on May 19, 1937, in Coco Solo Canal Zone, Panama, Duane's early years were shaped by a spirit of adventure that would remain with him throughout his life.

Duane graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California. He proudly served in the United States Navy from November 24, 1954, to November 23, 1962 as a Photographer's Mate Second Class (PH2); he was stationed at U.S. Naval Air Station Seattle, Washington, and USNAS Los Alamitos in Long Beach, California. His time in the Navy not only honed his skills behind the camera but also instilled in him a lifelong sense of discipline and dedication.

After his military service, Duane embarked on a successful career with Hughes Aircraft Company, where he worked for 30 years before retiring in 1989. During those years, while raising his family, he also had a side business as a wedding photographer-capturing cherished moments for countless couples. Even after retiring from Hughes Aircraft, Duane continued to work in various roles before fully retiring.

Duane met the love of his life, Frances Ann (née Williamson), while registering for college at the University of Maryland in Munich, Germany. That chance meeting blossomed into a loving partnership that spanned an extraordinary 68 years. Together they built a life centered around faith and family.

He is survived by his beloved wife Frances; daughter DeAnn Lueken and her husband Jim; son Darrell Snipes and his wife Stacy; and son Duane (Steve) Snipes and his wife Rebecca. He was a proud grandfather to Darrick, Jacob, Tyler, and Joey-each of whom brought him immense joy.

Duane was predeceased by his father Rodney F. Snipes; mother Evelyn G. Snipes Hicks; and brother Dean R. Snipes.

A man of many interests and talents, Duane enjoyed camping, hiking and backpacking in the Sierras, fishing, traveling, and photography. He loved animals-especially dogs-and found joy in their companionship.

An avid ham radio operator known by his call sign WB6GGF, Duane connected with people across the globe through the airwaves. He also enjoyed model trains and spent countless hours building an intricate layout filled with fun and interesting details. Duane could fix almost anything and earned the nickname "SuperFixIt" within his family.

In 1976, during a trip to the Holy Land with Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa alongside Fran, Duane turned his life over to the Lord and was baptized in the Jordan River-a moment that marked a profound spiritual transformation. His faith became central to his life from that point forward. He served at church as an usher and later as part of the security detail. The friendships he formed within his church community were among those he treasured most deeply.

Duane will be remembered as a kind-hearted man who loved God wholeheartedly and cherished every moment spent with family and friends.