Lt Col. Duane Robert Brown

Lt Col.Duane Robert Brown, 93, was born on December 14, 1931, to Oscar John Brown and Laura Potter Brown in Esterville, Iowa, and passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Duane graduated with a degree in accounting from the State University of Iowa in 1953. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force ROTC and attended flight training at Ellington Air Force Base in Texas, where he met the love of his life, Sue Elizabeth Sneed.

His dedication to service led him to a 21-year career in the United States Air Force, including two years in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, where he flew 235 combat missions. After retiring from the military in 1974, Duane continued helping others as a tax preparer until 2000.

Throughout his life, Duane exemplified commitment, courage, and love for both his family and his country. His presence and wisdom will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Laura Brown; brother, Gene Brown, and son, Craig Robert Brown. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Brown; daughter, Diane Brown Wagner, MD, and husband, Bart; grandchildren, Adam Verhalen and wife, Natalie, Katy Wagner, MD, and Sarah Wagner, MD; great-grandchildren, Gavin and Collins Verhalen.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers, www.t2t.org, or to your chosen charity.