Charles Raymond Duff (Chuck), 74, of Fair Grove, Missouri passed into heavenly rest on August 5, 2024. Charles was born in Springfield, Missouri at St. Johns Hospital on November 29, 1949 to Charles Lester and Irene Louise (Wagner) Duff. He was the first of nine children.

Charles served honorably in the United States Navy from 1969 to 1973. He was assigned to Naval Aviation in Squadron VAQ-135 "Blackbirds" as a Plane Captain (Brown shirt ground crew), also known as "Break Riders", responsible for the safety and integrity of aircraft, including pre- and post-flight preparation. He served on three separate aircraft carriers supporting flight deck operations of the A-3 "Skywarrior" aircraft. During his naval service he served two separate tours supporting combat operations in Vietnam from 1969 and 70, and then again in 1972. In between these combat tours his squadron deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in 1971. In total Charles served at sea or deployed three years and seven months out of his three years, nine months, and 12 days of uniformed service.

Charles was united in marriage to Zella Mae Young on June 30, 1973. They were blessed with 51 years together and had three sons. He worked for the United States Postal Service for 36 years in the craft of Mail Clerk, Label Clerk, and served as a Union Steward for the United States Postal Workers Union and retired in 2009.

Dedicated to supporting veteran causes he was actively involved in a host of veteran support organizations such as the following:

·       Life Member of the VFW Post 3404 (Member of the VFW 3404 Honor Guard)

·       American Legion Post #639 (Member of the Legion Riders)

·       Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Chapter 4-3

·       Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 11

·       Life Member AMVETS Post 188 (Member of AMVETS Riders)

·       Associate Member of Marine Corps League Detachment 993

·       Fleet Reserve Association Branch 316

·       Veterans Memorial Team

·       Springfield Elks Lodge #409 Veterans Committee (Esquire and Lecturing Knight)

Throughout his life, together with Zella, he served in many capacities supporting youth sports, school, and community programs in the community of Fair Grove and surrounding area. Some highlights include coaching Mighty Mite Football and youth baseball for 13 years, supported the Fair Grove Quarterback Club for over 12 years, and served as an Assistant Scout Master and Merit Badge Counselor for BSA Troop 207. Always the loudest fan on the sidelines, most encouraging coach in the huddle or dugout, or the most dedicated mentor of scouting, he was always doing something to give his children and those around them the best opportunity to be the greatest version of themselves that he could.

His real passion was that of the study and teaching of the martial arts. He attained the rank of Shinan (9th Degree Black Belt) in the Tenshi Goju Kai, and served on the Executive Board of the National College of Martial Arts (NCMA). Serving as the NCMA Tournament Director for over a decade he continued to mentor and encourage young athletes and martial arts to be the best version of themselves they could be. He efforts as a teacher were not only highly respected but sought out by many. His abilities as a martial arts teacher was recognized by the World Head of Family Sokeship Council International Hall of Fame as the Master Instructor of the Year for 2001.

Though the martial arts was his passion, being on a motorcycle with his face in the wind was his love. It was the place he felt most free and alive. He rode from the time he was 18 until just before his passing. His travels on his motorcycles included roads all over the United States. He was truly a warrior of the Iron Horse.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother (Janie Frost), infant sister (Donna Louise, infant brother (William Herman), brother (James Duff), and brother-in-law (Hayward Ray Jr.).

He is survived by his wife Zella; children Jared (LtCol USMC Ret.) and his wife Amanda, Matthew (MSgt USAF Ret.) and his wife Ashley, and Erik (4th Dan, Executive Council Member NCMA). Grandchildren Jared Jr., Isaac, Isabel, Zachary, Daniel, step-grandchildren Caelei, Kinzie, Carley and Isaac; and great-grand-daughter Aurora. Siblings Ronald, Elizabeth, Lorreto, Robert, and Rose.

Charles (beloved husband, father, grand-father, brother, uncle, and friend) will be deeply missed. Visitation will be at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home from 6-8 pm on August 12 2024. Funeral service will be at same location at 11:30 am on August 13, 2024 followed by a Military Honors Ceremony at Missouri Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 pm. There will be a Reception/Celebration of Life that evening, on that evening (13 August) from 6-8 pm at the Elks Lodge #409.

In lieu of flowers the family request consideration of donations to a veteran support organization in the local Springfield, MO area. Some examples are as follows:

·       K9s for Camo   www.k9sforcamo.org

·       VFW Post 3404   www.vfwpost3404.org

·       American Legion Post #639   www.americanlegionpost639.org

·       Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Chapter 4-3  www.cvma4-3mo.com

·       Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 11  springfielddav@gmail.com

·       AMVETS Post 188   www.amvets188.org

·       Marine Corps League Detachment 993   www.springfieldmarines.com

·       Fleet Reserve Association Branch 316   www.frabr316.org