William McCulley

Duane was the first-born son to William Moses and Mary Belle McCulley, both originally from Texas.  Born in a little white cabin in Perryville, AZ on May 28, 1936, he was the big brother to his two sisters, Vangie, living in Vancouver WA, and Barbara, now deceased.

Duane is survived by his wife, Irene, of 61 years, three children, Gary (Jill) of Gilbert, AZ, Melinda (Brian) of Seattle, WA, and Marlana (Bob) of Tonopah, AZ. Duane was blessed to have nine grandchildren: Kayla, Chloe, Mitchell, Kyle, Justin, Matthew, Clint (deceased), Allison, Katie Rae and a new great-granddaughter, Marleigh.

A Buckeye valley native, Duane graduated from Buckeye Union High school in 1953 and was active in FFA and football. He then attended Arizona State College (now Arizona State University), received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture in 1957, and initially farmed cotton and alfalfa in the Buckeye valley. Duane served in the Air National Guard as an aircraft mechanic, working on F-104s, among other aircraft, instilling a love of aviation that continued throughout the rest of his life.  He later pursued an advanced degree and earned a Master’s in Education at ASU in 1968. Duane was a teacher of many forms.  He taught 8th grade Liberty Elementary School in the early 70s, he taught Aircraft & Powerplant (A&P) Certification courses in the 80s to USAF servicemen transitioning to the airlines, and taught many Bible studies.  Duane also owned and operated a full-service Chevron station (from 1972 to 1983) located at 517 Monroe Street in downtown Buckeye and loved to visit with everyone that came by the station.  He later worked at Arizona Machinery and then retired from Keith Equipment in Buckeye, AZ.  He was very interested in Creation Science, and loved Arizona sports, especially football.  He was passionate about Buckeye High School, ASU football, and was part of the group to first bring Pop Warner Football to the Buckeye area, in the mid-70s.

Duane and Irene loved watching their children and grandchildren and loved attending their competitions, contests, and games.  They had an active prayer life, praying for their kids, grandkids, and others, every day.  Later, they attended Grace Bible Church of Phoenix and more recently attended Bible studies at Grace Fellowship Church in Buckeye, fellowshipping with their friends and family at church and after.

Duane and Irene enjoyed many happy years together. The last 20 years included spending much of their summers at their cabin in Forest Lakes, AZ.

Above all else, Duane was a Godly man, did his best to live a life that pleased God, and will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held on Friday November 11, 2022, from 5pm to 7pm at Grace Fellowship Church at 1300 N Miller Rd, Buckeye, AZ 85326. A graveside service will be held on Saturday November 12, 2022, at 10am at Louis B. Hazelton Cemetery in Buckeye, Arizona. The memorial service will follow at Grace Fellowship Church at 11:30am.