Duane Lynn Whitley

Held by his daughter with some of his favorite 60's slow songs playing in the background, Duane Lynn Whitley, 75, peacefully passed away at home on May 21, 2026. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and words simply cannot express how deeply he will be missed.

Duane was born in Opa-locka, Florida on October 1, 1950, and was the third of six boys born to the late Margaret Elizabeth (Miller) Whitley and Loney Edwin Whitley, Sr. He was the only redhead which very much suited his personality. He was the smallest of the bunch, but his red hair and the stereotypical personality that comes along with it ensured he held his own in their roughhousing and other shenanigans. Growing up in Destin, he enjoyed the beautiful beaches as well as saltwater fishing. He graduated from Choctawhatchee High School and attended Okaloosa/Walton Community College. High school is where he met the love of his life, Kathy. Duane and Kathy married and later welcomed their only child, Tracey. Duane found great joy in his family, friends, good bargains and helping others. He was quite the collector of hats and enjoyed the conversation some of them typically initiated from others. He especially favored those that represented his grandson, Joey, of whom he was endlessly proud. Grandpa was always happy to show his support for Joey’s Little League Baseball teams, his high school and his college.

Duane started his career as a welder at Metric Systems Corporation in Fort Walton Beach. He moved his family to Crestview in 1977 to begin his career with Fairchild Industries later known as Crestview Aerospace and L-3 Communications. Over the years Duane was an Assistant Foreman, Master Welder as well as a Lead Stretch Form Machine Operator. The majority of his professional life was within the aerospace industry with many years dedicated specifically to military aircraft. He retired from L-3 Communications in 2016. Duane had such a tremendous work ethic and worked incredibly hard to support his family. He worked long hours with few days off because he wanted to ensure Kathy could be a stay at home mom to Tracey. A gift for which both of them were very grateful. Duane instilled and passed on the values of hard work, honesty, loyalty and generosity. It never mattered how much or how little he had. He was always willing to help and share with others.

Duane was as stubborn as the days were long, but it was that stubbornness that granted his family extra time with him. It is also what made him such a fierce advocate when needed for his family and friends. He deeply loved and cared for them. He was quick witted with a wry sense of humor and took great pleasure in a good banter, even during his final days.

Duane is survived by his daughter, Tracey (Jonas) Chapman, grandson, Joey Chapman, brothers, Mike (Mary) Whitley and Robin (Dee) Whitley, sisters-in-law Janene Whitley and J’Ann Whitley, brother-in-law Kenneth (Susanne) Heck as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Duane was preceded in death and is now surrounded by many loved ones, especially his wife of almost 56 years, Kathy, brothers, Loney Whitley, Paul Whitley, James Whitley and his granddaughter, Aiden Chapman.

We are honoring Duane’s request and will not be holding any services.

The family would like to thank the staff at both North Okaloosa Medical Center and Vitas Healthcare for their phenomenal care and compassion during Duane’s recent hospitalization and transition back to his home.

Duane and Kathy had the poem, “The Promise” in their home for many years. While their absence leaves an immense void, there is joy in knowing the two of  them have been reunited.

Across the years I will walk with you,
In deep green forests, on shores of sand,
And when our time on earth is through,
In heaven, too, you will have my hand.