Duane Richard Sleight

      Duane Richard Sleight, age 87, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2024, at home with his family by his side.
      A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan, at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, with Pastor Mona Kindel officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
      Duane was born in Mulliken, MI on July 8, 1936, the son of Irving LeRoy and Catherine Louise (Cramer) Sleight. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School with the Class of 1954 and from Lansing Community College in 1990. He proudly served his country a total of 32 years in both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy Seabees. He then worked in skilled trades at General Motors until retirement in 1995. On July 14, 1997, Duane married Judith Kay Maag in Ashley, Michigan. They were married twenty-two years prior to her passing on October 22, 2019.
     Duane enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. In retirement, they moved to Newberry, Michigan and built their dream homestead. During retirement, he loved doing woodworking. Many of his family and friends have beautiful creations which he built. He liked watching bears and other wildlife. They also created their own tree farm called "Bearly a Farm". Duane had a great sense of humor and loved picking on people.
     He is survived by three daughters: Autumn Harnish, Robin (John) Bonter, and Heather (Melinda) Sleight; three step-children: James (Angela) Olney, Debra (Dan) Ridge, and Wendy (Scott) Jones; eighteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, one brother Merlin Sleight, and several niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Judith, and his sister-in-law Linda Sleight.
     Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.