Duane Hoaglan's Obituary
Gale Duane Hoaglan, 69, passed from this world on November 16, 2022, in Memphis, TN with his wife of 50 years at his side.
He was born July 27, 1953 and grew up in Oregon County, MO. At 17, he met the love of his life, Diana, on a blind date while the two were in high school. Two years later, in 1972, Duane and Diana were married and moved to Memphis where Duane pursued one of his many talents by studying art at the University of Memphis. While at the U of M, he participated in the Air Force ROTC program. Upon graduation, Duane received his commission as an officer in the United States Air Force. For years, he flew the B-52 “Stratofortress”, including one unscheduled, low-altitude flyover of his high school reunion. During his 10 years in the Air Force, he rose to the rank of Captain and eventually served as a pilot training instructor where he earned a reputation for being “everybody’s buddy.” In 1981, while stationed in Minot, ND, Duane and Diana rejoiced in the birth of their first child, Katherine Lynne. Because they bonded over sports, Katie grew up to be her dad’s “football buddy” and also the only person who was able to get away with telling him what to do. Three years later, in Columbus, MS, Duane and Diana rejoiced again in the birth of their son, Joshua. Josh and his dad shared a love of singing. When they weren’t stocking up on fireworks, Duane used his big, beautiful tenor voice to help Josh hone his craft. His desire for a more stable life for his family led him to leave the Air Force after 10 years of service. After being honorably discharged, Duane was hired to fly 727s for FedEx and moved his family to Collierville, TN. A lifelong member of the church, Duane and Diana attended Highland Church of Christ where he loved to sing tenor in the chapel service. A lifelong sports fan, Duane loved the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, and all things Memphis Tigers. His favorite place was a small house nestled on acres of dense woodlands and open cattle fields in southeast Missouri, affectionately known as “the farm.” He spent countless hours there; hunting, fishing, gardening, and just generally “taking care of the place.” Duane will be remembered for his generosity and his desire to help anyone who was in need. He loved the Lord and strived to lead his family to do the same. It would be accurate to describe him as tough or strict, but he had an enormous soft spot for his three granddaughters. When it came to them, the word “no” was not in his vocabulary. He fiercely loved his family and made sure that they were safe and loved, even if the expression of that love was sometimes an April Fool’s Day prank. He was preceded in death by his father; George David Hoaglan, his mother; Jean Griffith Davis, his sister; Diane Davis, brother; Danny Davis; his step-father; Al Davis. He is survived by his wife; Diana Hoaglan, his daughter; Katie Poole (Adam) of Collierville, Tennessee, his son; Joshua Hoglan of Hawaii, his sisters; Denise Hoaglan of Arkansas, Darla Fish (Fred), and Dodie May of Oklahoma, his brother; David (Nancy) Hoaglan of Aurora, Missouri. Other survivors include his grandchildren whom he thought the world of and loved very dearly; Lily Ruth Poole, Lorelei Jane Poole, and Frankie Kate Poole. Funeral Service for Mr. Hoaglan will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Highland Church of Christ. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 8:30am until the service hour. Burial will take place on a later date at West Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery.
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