Duane Lybarger

Duane Lybarger of Whitestown, IN formally of Champaign, IL, peacefully passed in his sleep on July 6, 2024 at IU West Hospital in Avon, IN while surrounded by his wife, Patricia Lybarger (Friese), daughter, Christina and son-in-law Thomas Burtzos.

There will be a visitation on Wednesday, July 10 from 4-6 pm at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St, Champaign. The funeral service will be on Thursday, July 11 at 10am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Danville National Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded. 

Duane was born April 23, 1946 in Macomb, IL. He met his wife, Patricia at Champaign High School and graduated in 1964. He joined the Air Force after high school. He married his high school sweetheart on September 7, 1968 in Champaign.  He lived in Champaign until November 2016 where they moved to be closer to their daughter in Whitestown, IN.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, his Morkie, Missy, daughter Christina (Tom); 3 sisters, Leslie Morgan (Earl), Sheryl Sinnott and Joyce Nardi (Jim); grandkids Kristen Howie (Andrew), Merideth Boyd (Joshua), Miriah Spann, and Marinna Taylor (Jon); Great-Grandkids, Gabriel, James, Jacob, Joseph, Miranda,  Bryr, Sterling, and Elayna; 1 uncle Michael Twitchell; numerous nieces and nephews; and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son, James Lybarger and parents, Marilee and Lester Lybarger.

Duane honorably served in the United States Air Force until his retirement on September 12, 1984 as a Tech Sargent.  He was awarded the NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with 1 device, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 4 devices, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters, and Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters.

He worked at the Illini Union until his retirement on August 31, 2007.  He was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion #410 in Whitestown, IN. He was an avid Chevrolet fan. He loved his Corvette and was a former member of the Corvette Club of Illinois. He was a former SEIU Union President Local 119. He graduated Parkland College and attended Eastern Illinois University. He was a huge Illini and Cub fan.  

Donations in his honor can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society - Indianapolis. 


 

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