ODESSA:Virgil Wayne Duzan, 73, passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, June 5, following a lengthy illness. He was in the care of loving family members. He was born in the Headlee Clinic in Odessa April 1, 1940, to Schultz and Lorene Duzan. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1958 and received his B.A. in Education at Abilene Christian College. On December 16, 1960, he married Velda Rae Bankhead in Odessa.
Wayne's school teaching career with Ector County Independent School District began in 1965, concluding in 1995, for a total of 30 years, most of which were in a sixth-grade classroom. Each fall, school principals were faced with the problem of satisfying all the parents who wanted their child to be in Mr. Duzan's room. He was known for his use of humor, practical counsel to his students and his application of the "board of education" when necessary.
In addition to his teaching career, Wayne worked in the residential construction business as an electrician. Following retirement he worked with his brother, Robert, in remodeling projects. He was a capable handyman and always made good use of his pocket knife.
A faithful Christian, Wayne worshipped at Sherwood Church of Christ. Throughout the years he served in various capacities including youth minister, deacon, elder and education minister and teacher. Two filing cabinet drawers are filled with Bible topic lessons which he authored.
Family relationships were top priority. Affectionately known as Poppa D to his grandchildren, Wayne cherished every moment with them. At every opportunity available family gathered at the Itza Duzy for fun times at the lake. Hours of fishing from the home-made barge resulted in Fish Fries and a freezer full of catfish. At home Poppa D's Tree House provided many happy hours of quality, outdoor exercise and fun for active, growing children. Every spring a garden was planted, and fresh vegetables were harvested throughout the summer and fall. The garden also provided a home for a herd of turtles-another source of pleasure for the grandchildren. Although slow to adapt to modern technology, Poppa D had a Face Book page with a total of seven friends-his grandchildren.
Virgil Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, (3) sisters: LaVada Scott, Barbara Richardson, and Sheila Evans, and brother, Leslie Duzan.
He is survived by his wife, Velda of Odessa; sons, Terry Wayne Duzan and wife Michele of Andrews, TX, Darrin Ray Duzan and wife Melia of Snyder, TX; brothers, Robert Duzan and wife Lois of Palestine, TX, Richard Duzan and wife Andrea of Newark, DE, (7) grandchildren, Nicole Webb & husband Chase, Nathan Wayne, Natalie Christine, Nolan Garrett, Mekayla Janece, and Taylor Darren Duzan. He is also survived by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
There will be a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, June 7, 2013, at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 8, 2013, at Sherwood Church of Christ with John Driggers and Lynn Money officiating. Memorials may be given to Odessa Christian School.
