Service held for Master Sergeant Donald Anderson Duffus, Sr.

and giving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He married Pauline L. Riddle in Reno, NV on August 15, 1947. They were by each other’s side for nearly fifty-eight years. Even after Pauline’s passing and subsequent cremation in 2005, MSgt (ret) Duffus kept her by his side while taking her ashes

Master Sergeant Donald Anderson Duffus, Sr., 94, passed from this world the morning of November 9, 2019 while surrounded by his loving family at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

MSgt (ret) Duffus was born April 13, 1925 in Worcester, MA to Peter G. Duffus and Ada Mills Duffus. At a very young age he learned to be self-sufficient; selling vegetables to area residents from a wagon he pulled around, driving a milk delivery truck and struggling to reach the pedals, driving a bakery truck after the driver became ill and he with him on trips across the country. Pauline has also taken her final trip and will be laid to rest in his arms.

MSgt (ret) Duffus is survived by his children; Paula K. Davidson and husband John of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Donna L. Taylor and husband Tony of Wetumka, Oklahoma, Donald A. Duffus, Jr. and wife Rita of Gulfport, Mississippi; his grandchildren, Heather A. Boss and husband Jason of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Scott L. Taylor and wife Beverly of Still-water, Oklahoma, Peter G. Duffus of Gulfport, Mississippi, Teri A. Park and husband Taylor of Destin, Florida; his great-grandchildren, Cameron A. Boss, Makenzie Park and Grayson Lane.

A celebration of Donald’s life was held 1:00 PM Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Fort Gibson National Cemetery Pavilion, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma with Cameron A. Boss, Scott L. Taylor, Peter G. Duffus, Jason L. Boss, Sr., two honored Marines who served behind him on foreign shores until Valhalla, serving as casket bearers. Donald A. Duffus, Jr. and Tony R. Taylor served as honorary casket bearers.

was the only one that knew the route. MSgt (ret) Duffus first joined the United States Army at age 16. In 1942, he transferred to the United States Marine Corps where he served honorably until retiring in October of 1963. He enlisted as a mechanic and quickly rose to the position of motor transport chief. During 1943-1945 he served with the 1st Marine Division and participated in four amphibious landings in the Pacific; New Guinea, Cape Gloucester, Peleliu and Okinawa. From 1945-1946 he was stationed in Peking, China then later 1951-1952 in Korea. From the time he enlisted until his death he loved the Corps and was extremely proud to be a Marine.

MSgt (ret) Duffus was a devout Christian, a brave and loyal Marine, a devoted husband, a patient, loving