Duane Alan Williams, 87, of Hartford, Arkansas passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024 at Johnson Regional Medical Center in Clarksville. He was born December 6, 1936 in Hydro, Oklahoma to Beatrice and Harold Williams. From there, they moved to Enid, Oklahoma before settling permanently in Hartford, Arkansas. Duane grew up a farm boy, which helped instill in him a great sense of duty, responsibility and hard work. These attributes would serve him well, setting the foundation for his future success. He graduated from Hartford High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force soon after.
He married Leona Repass on July 3, 1955. Together they raised a family of six children, four of whom are now deceased. Leona was, according to Duane, “the prettiest girl he had ever seen”. Following basic training, he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Niceville, Florida, where Leona soon joined him. From there it was on to England, where he served in the military police. After returning stateside, he served out the remainder of his Air Force tour of duty in Louisiana, England Air Force Base. After enlisting in the United States Army, he served a tour in South Korea on the DMZ. Germany was next and while there became, he became known as one of the best criminal investigators in Europe. His field of expertise was in criminal investigations. He also taught many courses in this field. He took advantage of the opportunity to take many scholastic courses covering his line of work. During his career, he was the recipient of numerous diplomas, commendations and medals. He finished his tour of duty at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. He was honorably discharged.
One of Duane’s favorite pastimes was watching fast pitch softball. He was an avid sports fan and stayed active in several sports until back issues prevented him from continuing. However, he made sure that he was in attendance of as many games as he could that his grandchildren were in.
Duane is survived by his sister, Rita Rissinger of Fort Smith; his children, Judy Angell (Patrick), Rebecca Woodrul (Vernon) and Marty Nelson; grandchildren, Patricia Angell, Vernon Woodrul, Jr. (Tasha), Christopher Williams (Erica), Anthony Williams (Brandi), Marleigh Glasgow, John Wayne Nelson, Cassandra and Delana and his great grandchildren, Dillon, Alexis, McKenz, Benton, Jacob, Braelyn, Camryn, Hunter, Cheyenne, Kaitlyn, Alexis, Sherril, Seth, Kaitlyn, Taylor, Tiffany and Kristen. He was preceded in death by his wife, Leona Williams and his children, Leigh Meeker, Alan Williams, Michael Williams and Theresa Nelson.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Friday, June 7 at Hartford First Baptist Church with burial with military honors at Hartford Memorial Park under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will be Thursday from 1 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Randy Pittman, Marty Nelson, Christopher Williams, Dillon Angell, Larry Hoopengarner and Richard Hartsfield. Honorary pallbearers will be Duke Nelson, Vernon Woodral and Vernon Woodral, Jr.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
