Smith, Duane Miles, Sr. Born in Fish Lake, IN, Duane enlisted in the Navy at 17 and served on the USS Stormes and the USS Fechteler. Shortly after reenlisting, while on Liberty Duane and a friend were severely injured by a motorist, necessitating transfer to Great Lakes Naval Hospital. While there he met Barbara, a Navy Nurse. After their marriage they made Minnesota their home where Duane earned a B.S. in Agronomy from University of Minnesota. Duane was employed by the Crop Improvement Association, Barzan Seeds, and the U of M Plant Sciences Dept.; he became an integral part of the development and research departments at the U, specializing in Alfalfas. Duane also worked at the State Fair (1956 to 2018) in Farm Crops, serving as Superintendent, adding Crop Art to the competition in 1966. While working with the U of M, he mentored many undergrad and grad students in the nuances of plant research. Duane was an inveterate reader who also loved watching birds, gardening, traveling to Indiana for family reunions and talking about the extensive genealogy he has compiled. He loved his family and will be sorely missed. Duane was predeceased by his wife Barbara and their son Daniel (Laurie), his second wife Martha; by his brother, Gayle and by brothers- and sisters-in law. He is survived by his children, Rebecca (Floyd), Duane (Tammy) and Ellen (John); his stepdaughter Darcy; his grandchildren and great grandchildren; his sister Patsy; his brother-in-law Hugh; and nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held June 26th, visitation at 3pm, memorial at 4 pm. St. Dunstan's Anglican 4241 Brookside Ave, Mpls, MN. He will be buried with military honors in Indiana.

Published on June 25, 2019