Duane Hale Boyer, 83, died September 26 in Jackson at Arbor Woods Assisted Living Community. He was born September 2, 1930, in Mulliken, Michigan, to Fremont Lee and Ruby Louise (Huffman) Boyer.
He moved to Chelsea in 1948 where he resided until April of 2013. Duane served in the Army during the Korean Conflict where he drove a Sherman tank. He worked as a machine repairman for Central Fiber and Chelsea Industries and retired in 1995. He also worked for Heydlauff’s Appliance for many years. He was active in the Chelsea VFW Post . Duane enjoyed his 14 trips to Las Vegas and visiting casinos whenever possible. His hobbies included playing cribbage and bingo; watching wildlife especially birds, deer, and squirrels; deer hunting; and spending time with family.
Duane was married to Eileen (Hankerd) Brooks from 1954-1974. Duane married Virginia (Rumph) Schirrmacher in 1983 in Las Vegas, and she preceded him in death in 2009. Survivors are Cindy (Jeff) Williams, Jackson; Pamela Boyer, Colorado; Mike Boyer, Jackson; Wanda (Brian) Owings, Bay City; Lisa (Frank) Johnson, Ann Arbor; Laura (Rob) Gillow, Jackson; William (Peri) Schirrmacher, Georgia; Harvey (Carolyn) Schirrmacher, Virginia; Christine (Skip) Head, Virginia; Carolyn (Dennis) Sheppard, Chelsea; Candace Hadley, Missouri; 29 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers Floyd Boyer, Keith Boyer, and Fremont Boyer; sister Eulahlee Packard; grandson Jake Kaidan; and granddaughter Veronica Schirrmacher.
Visitation took place Monday, Sept.30, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, Michigan. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 11 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, Michigan, with Duane’s son-in-law, Jeffery Williams, of the Westwood Church of God officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, MI 49202.