Duel Wayne Jones of Patterson, California was born October 28th, 1942, passed away January 25th, 2024
Duel was born in Decatur, Alabama in 1942. He grew up in the small town of Leighton, Alabama. He was raised by his two loving parents, father Duel Sr., mother, Annie Glen Thomas, along with sister, Shirley Ann Copeland.
Duel was a good student through his growing years and was the Valedictorian of his senior class at Colbert County High School.
After school he joined the Navy and spent 20 years on various aircraft carriers, manning the seas around the world. He worked on planes, and on the flight deck safely guiding aircraft during takeoffs and landings.
His medals acquired were Vietnam service medal; Vietnam Campaign medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary medal with one Bronze Star; Meritorious Unit Commendation/Gallantry Cross; and a good conduct meal.
After retiring from the Navy, he went to work at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Livermore, California where he worked as a Biomedical Technician for 17 years. For hobbies, he enjoyed woodworking, camping, and Cowboy reenactments and lastly, he was a member of the Single action shooting society. Duel was one of their top sharpshooters.
Duel is survived by his wife Dot, with whom he had a 38-year loving marriage. He is also survived by, and most proud of his three daughters, Shelly, Kelly and Lisa and stepchildren.
Duel had a strong Christian faith, and was a member of the Big Valley Church in Modesto, Califnornia.
He was buried February 5th, 2024 at San Joaquin National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California with full military honors.
