Duane Merton Leathers

SOUTH GARDINER – Duane Merton Leathers “Popeye”, 90, of South Gardiner died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, peacefully at this home with loved ones by his side.

He was born in Winthrop, Maine, on June 18, 1932, the son of Duane Merton Leathers, Sr. and Lettie (House) Leathers.

He grew up in Winthrop and moved to Gardiner, graduating from Gardiner Area High School in 1950.

In 1950, Duane enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars. His posts included Aircraft Carrier, USS Oriskany, USS Intrepid, and USS Bon Homme Richard. He flew fighter squadrons VF874 Squadron, VF124 Top Gun Squadron, VP-92 Squadron, and also aircrafts TBM-Avenger, P2V-Neptune, P3-Orion. He also served as an instructor for Submarine Warfare. In 1983, he retired from NAS, South Weymouth, MA as a Weapons Officer with a final rank of E7 Aviation Ordinance Officer.

Duane volunteered hundreds of hours at TOGUS, VA working with veterans and received Volunteer of the Year Award in 2009 and six Patriot of New England Awards.

He was a loyal member of the American Legion, lifetime member of VFW, member of Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, DAV, Fleet Reserve Navy, and North American Hunting Club.

He was predeceased by his wife Yvonne (Marshall) Leathers; mother Lettie (House) Rogers and stepfather Kenneth Rogers, Sr.; brothers Herbert Rogers, Wayne Rogers, and Kenneth Rogers, Jr. and sister Gerry Thibeau; infant daughter Lettie Leathers and infant son Robert Leathers; and grandson Brandon Leathers.

He is survived by his brother Sumner “Sonny” Leathers and wife Norine and their four daughters Raye Anne Desoto (Philip), Tracie James (Dwayne), Trisha Leathers (Donald), and Erin Overlock (Jason), all of South Gardiner; sons Duane Leathers and wife Janet of Pennsylvania, James Leathers and wife Christine of Pennsylvania; grandson Chris Leathers and wife Francine of Richmond, granddaughter Nikki Leathers of Pennsylvania, grandson Brett Leathers and grandson Kirk Leathers, both of Pennsylvania; great granddaughters Samantha Leathers of Richmond and Lexi Storms of Pennsylvania, these two girls meant the world to “Popeye”; along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Duane’s visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, from 5-8 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner. A military graveside service will be held in the spring.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of Staples Funeral Home website http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.