Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Curtis Duco Obituary
Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis E. Duco served in World War II, Korea War and two tours in Vietnam.
He was one of a few soldiers who won the Combat Infantry Man's Badge in three wars. He was one of the best soldiers, officer or enlisted to wear the uniform in 228 years of Army history and one of the best NCOS which is a quote from Paul Revere O'Mary, which is the author of ""God and Country Forever"".
As for myself, Curtis E. Duco was my hero. I chased after him like a pup. He was a selfless man, never knowing the important contributions he made to his country much less his family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Curtis Duco
Sponsored by Kasey Anglin , granddaughter.
Angela Jones
October 13, 2025
He was my grandfather. I don't know why I'm just now finding myself here. I guess I'm a little slow. He would laugh about that. He was a good man and had a funny sense of humor. He always seemed bigger than life to me. It seemed impossible that he could die. He loved animals. I remember there was a stray cat that he hadn't been able to tame yet, who liked staying in one of his trees. So, he built a little house for it and secured it in the tree to protect the cat from bad weather. One time when he was in the hospital my youngest sister and I were there with him and the nurse came in and said we had to take his clothes off so, after we assured him his boots wouldn't be lost, we started stripping him and he started laughing and said, well hell, I never thought I'd see the day three women were taking my clothes off at the same time. If my Nana had been there, she would have rolled her eyes and shaken her head. LOL! He had a boisterous, contagious laugh. I miss them both.
Cecilio Carrizales
April 24, 2021
CSM Duco..It was an honor to have served under you..D 502nd Infantry,Ft Campbell,ky..1960 -63
May 25, 2020
Great man and Amazing Great Grandfather! Anytime I spoke with him he was always full of wisdom. I remember speaking with him before I moved to Florida. Little did he know that I was going to join the Marine Corps. Hell I wasn't for sure at the time for that matter. I like to think he is with me especially when times are hard. I just remind myself that I have Duco blood in me and therefore I can get through any obstacle. A Legend that I will never forget!
Love,
Sebastian Anglin
James Schaffer
June 24, 2017
As a young drill sergeant at Fort Campbell, he was my battalion sergeant major. He taught me the true meaning of leadership, integrity, accountability, and personal responsibility. Those things that I learned from him at that time were a major impact in forming the man I have become..
January 11, 2017
A gifted and talented US Army SGT MAJ. He was a leader who lived what he believed. At the University of Alabama ROTC, he set a great example for the young students working to become commissioned officers. I will always treasure the time I served with him.
William K. Bedsole, Colonel, US ARMY Retired.
Jenny Jones
October 29, 2016
Thankful for men like him who served and made our country strong. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kasey Anglin
October 28, 2016
Command Sergeant Major Curtis Duco is a name that rings eats when spoken. A farm boy who became a great warrior for his country. Husband to his true love Ann Louise Dissell Duco. Father to six daughters and grand/great/great great grandfather to many who looked up to and admired him. There is so much to be said about Curtis Duco. I call him PaPa Duco. He was a great writer and wrote our local paper so many times. He was a great teacher, advisor, mentor, wise, strong and kind hearted man. He loved all of Gods creatures, he was an animal rescuer and tamer of wild feral cats. He was such a humble man who did so much and touched so many lives but kept it to himself. I never once heard him brag or boast about anything. He always felt there was something he could make better or do better. Most of all he was a God loving man and spiritual leader to many. It was no secret where he stood when it came to his faith in God and our Lord Jesus Christ. He feared for the generations to come as our country steadily turns its back to God. The worries of this world and years of mourning the loss of your loving wife/nana are over now. God has brought you home to paradise together now for eternity. Rest now PaPa Duco you have served your family, country, and most importantly God well. We on "planet earth" will miss you. Until we meet again "God speed" love always and forever. Your loving granddaughter Kasey Anglin
Jackie Scott
October 28, 2016
Thank you, CSM Duco, for your leadership and mentorship of all of us who had the privilege to be with you and COL O'Mary in the Alabama Corps of Cadets.
James Simms
October 27, 2016
GodSpeed CSM Duco. When I first looked at you, I was terrified but came to respect you as time went on. You were such a role model that many today need. God Bless you, your soul, and your family during this trying time.
Harold Shambley
October 27, 2016
To all that knew this Outstanding American he definitely was one to be remembered. He taught us Leadership and mentored us as UA ROTC Cadets into being Commissioned as US Army Officers!!
CSM Duco will continue to be with all those who were touched by his humor, wisdom, and unyielding professional acumen. Hoooah!!
Dr. Harold Shambley, UA'77, Major, US Army Retired
Randall Cain
October 27, 2016
A great American and great soldier that will live on for many years in the memories of many people that he lead in combat units and taught in ROTC. A hero if there ever was one.
Ron Dupree
October 27, 2016
I was, thankfully, one of the hundreds of cadets who had the high honor and privilege to be mentored and trained by CSM Duco at the University of Alabama. I served on active duty for a little over 30 years with some of the finest human beings on this planet. However, I never forgot "The Duke" or his example and words of wisdom. It was my honor and privilege to have known him. He will be sorely missed, but is truly where he wants to be.
COL(R)Ron D. Dupree
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Curtis Duco's name
Memorial Events
for Curtis Duco
How to support Curtis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Curtis Duco's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
