Donald Duell Sr.

Donald E. Duell of Hot Springs, Arkansas passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, 5/21/2016 at the age of 95 years. Donald was born 1921 in Cortland, New York. He was raised, schooled, and spent his working life in Detroit, Michigan during the great thriving years of the city. WWII began shortly after his graduation from high school. Donald joined the U.S. Army in 1942. and trained for the infantry that was destined for invasion of North Africa. Prior to completing his training with the infantry he was offered an opportunity to join the Army Air Corp training as a B-24 bombardier. His B-24 plane and crew were near completion of training and preparing for assignment to Europe when their plane crashed on landing. Donald was one of only two crew members to survive the crash. Completing the rest of military career in the U.S. he left the service to the Army Air Corp. and returned home to Michigan. While deciding the course of his life after WWII Donald choose to use the new G.I. Bill and attend college at Michigan State University in East Lansing. He majored in engineering graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering and becoming the first person on his father’s side of the family to complete college. This accomplishment in no small way resulted in his only son and subsequently his granddaughter graduating from college. Upon graduation from Michigan State University Donald went to work for the Wayne County Highway Department in Michigan and spent his career helping design and build highways bridges and roads throughout Detroit, Michigan and the surrounding Wayne County. These were exciting times during the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s as the city grew along with auto industry. Donald retired in 1979 and he and his wife lived for a time in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico before moving to Hot Springs, Arkansas in the late 1980’s. They found Hot Springs very much to their liking and made many friends and acquaintances. Donald never considered moving anywhere else for the balance of his life. Donald was preceded in death by his parents Luther and Elizabeth Duell, his wife Marion Feeney Duell and his great granddaughter Gabriella. He is survived by his son Donald Duell Jr. and granddaughter and two great grandchildren; stepson Terry Walker and three grandchildren; stepdaughter Stephenie Messina and two grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Donald’s family would like to recognize and thank the wonderful management and staff of Lake Hamilton Nursing and Rehabilitation for their care and friendship. Donald spent the last four years of his long life at the Lake Hamilton home and made many friends while have much fun teasing everyone. He was never interested in moving anywhere else. His family is certain they could not find a better place for Donald to have spent the remaining years of his life or where he could have been happier.