Duane R. Vance

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Master Chief Duane R. Vance, USN, Retired of McDonough, GA, who passed away on May 11, 2025, at the age of 78 in Gulfport, MS.

He was born February 28, 1947 in Painesville, Ohio , the first of nine children to the late Dean Rusk and Eleanor Ruth Faerber Vance.

Duane is survived and missed by his loving wife Judy (nee Conley) of 58 years; his children, Dean (Julie) Vance and Brandy (Heather Miller) Basilio; forever cherished and revered by his grandsons, Makena Rusk (Isabelle Laurin) Basilio and Noah Dean (Rebecca Phillips) Vance; his memory lives on with his sisters, Jeanne Wepplo of Franklin, MN, Dianne Hostetler of Salem, OH, Vicki (Kevin) Hull of Glendale, AZ, Patti (David) Carver, Deanna Vance Davis both of Diamondhead, MS, and brother David (Glinda) Vance of Mooresville, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends that he loved very much.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dan R. Vance; his sister, Nancy Vance Horkey; his brothers-in-law, Freeman Hostetler and Raymond “Ray” Wepplo; and his nephew, Lawrence “Larry” Wepplo.

Duane lived an extraordinary life of service and generosity. After graduating from Madison High School in 1965, he enlisted in the Navy Seabees as a Builder Heavy Construction Third Class (BUH3) at the age of 19. He proudly served his country in multiple tours in the Vietnam War. After many assignments around the world, he was selected to serve as Command Master Chief of the Pacific Seabees for the U.S. Pacific Fleet until he transferred to his final active-duty assignment as Command Master Chief of the Twentieth Naval Construction Regiment in Gulfport, MS. He retired after 26 years of active-duty service. The U.S. Navy recognized Duane for his honorable service by awarding many citations including Meritorious Service Medals (2), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon (2), Good Conduct Award (5), National Defense Service Medal (2), Navy Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Star for five Campaigns & Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citations, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Following retirement from active duty, Duane went to work for Brown and Root (KBR) as a Project General Manager for 24 years before finally retiring to spend the days with his cherished wife Judy.

Duane was a lifetime member of the VFW, FRA, American Legion and the Navy Seabee Foundation.

Above all, Duane was a devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather. His grandsons were the apples of his eye and brought him his greatest joy. He loved golf and was an avid reader. He also enjoyed traveling, woodworking, building, his pets, and spending time with his family and friends. Duane quietly helped and mentored countless people over the course of his life. We are all better having known him. His legacy will carry on forever reminding us that we control our attitudes. We choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service.

A celebration of life be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503. Family visitation will begin at 11am followed by friends at 12pm. A memorial service will begin at 1pm with interment to follow at 2:30pm at the Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Navy Seabee Foundation or your local animal shelter.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.