Don and Miriam McDuffie

Don Charles McDuffie, (87), of Rowland Heights, California, passed away on August 17, 2023

Miriam Kaulaikahauola (Davis) McDuffie, (89), of Rowland Heights, California, passed away on August 29, 2023

They are survived by their daughters Debra McDuffie and Rhonda Studner, grandchildren Garrett (Sandie) McDuffie, Jade (Chris) Botelho, Ray Sherburn and great granddaughter Ellis Botelho,

Don’s sister Molly Stukins, Kay’s sisters, Nora (Ted) Poole, Zinia Kikala and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don, fondly known as “Duffy” to his wife Miriam’s family, was born to Joe and Alice McDuffie on January 5, 1936, in Decatur, Illinois. He attended Decatur High School. After graduating he started a career in the US Marine Corps rising through the ranks to 2nd Lieutenant. He was considered a “maverick”, a commissioned officer who began his career as an enlisted service member. He served two tours in Viet Nam.

After 20 years he retired from the Marine Corps at 38 and then retired from Consolidated Freightways at 58.

Miriam, aka aunty Kay, was born to Frank Davis and Rebecca (Shaw/Davis) Kulaniakea on February 26, 1934, in Lahaina, Maui. After graduating Farrington High School on Oahu, she worked a short time at Dole Pineapple company.

Don met Miriam (Kay) Davis while at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay on the island of Oahu in 1955 and they married in March 1956.

Don was an avid gun enthusiast. After retiring from CF, he enjoyed participating in SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) competitions. Years later, meeting his friends at Prado Shooting Range a few times a week for trap shooting. He also loved spending time with his family in Illinois several times a year and insisted on driving there and back to see the country along the way.

Kay was a stay at home mom (and a great one at that) who loved to bake and throw big parties for family and friends. She was well known to “touch you last” when saying good-bye.

They will be interned together on September 6, 2023 at 10:30am at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, California 92518.

In Lieu of Flowers the family wishes for guest to please donate to St. Judes Children's Hospital.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?frequency_selected=1&sc_dcm=58700008008698866&sc_cid=kwp&sc_cat=b&ds_rl=1290690&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9MCnBhCYARIsAB1WQVV_YHtlmkGBrenLuCbMdRb3t0pSREDpXyQEBAEJ1mlrP3cgmpLzwxIaAtZjEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds