Duane Acker

Duane Lyle Acker age 84, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI, on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 2:00 P.M., with Pastor Phil Maxwell officiating.  Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, St. Louis, MI.  Visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, 2018 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Duane was born in St. Louis, MI on March 28, 1933 the son of Howard and Blanche (Shunk) Acker.  Duane attended St. Louis High School. He went on to join the United States Air Force in 1953 where he was stationed all over the world.  He married Betty Lester on August 21, 1954 at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.  He was a Flight Engineer on several air crafts that lead to a Tour of Duty in Vietnam 1967-1968. Duane retired from the USAF in 1973. Then he moved back to his home town of St. Louis with his family. There he was employed by Powell's Plumbing and Heating, retiring in 1996.

Duane enjoyed baseball with his beloved Detroit Tigers. He also enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions, NASCAR Races, tractor pulls, air shows; basically anything with an engine. His favorite hobby was working in his garage, working on cars, lawnmowers, again, anything with an engine.  He lived in St. Louis for 45 years and loved his time spent there. He was very social and was dedicated to his family and extended family.

He is survived by his wife Betty Acker of St. Louis, children: Larry  Acker of Breckenridge, Richard and Mary Acker of St. Louis, Dave and Tama Acker of Wheeler, Cathy and Jim Pigg of Fayetteville, GA; grandchildren: Brian, Steve, Stephanie, Mitch, Levi, Brian, Richard Jr., Andrea, Rachel, Christopher, Matthew, and Michael; and 10 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by 2 brothers: Bob and Evelyn Acker of St. Louis, Gordon Acker of St. Louis, sister in law Pat Cardinal of Wayne, and brother in law James Larry Lester of Virginia Beach, VA.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Kenny Acker.

Memorials contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.