Duane D. Stebleton, 86 of Battle Creek, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at the Evergreen Senior Care and Rehab Center. He was born January 14, 1925 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of David Alvero and Lydia (Conklin) Stebleton. Duane served in the U.S. Navy during WWII participating in the invasion of Normandy and also serving in the South Pacific. He was a member of V.F.W. Post 54. Duane had worked at American Fire Apparatus, Shakespeare Company, Spearflex, and had worked in the athletic department at Lakeview High School for 45 years where he was the assistant athletic director and was a high school referee for eleven years. He also worked at Full Blast and Felpausch in Lakeview following his retirement. Duane was a Detroit Tigers fan, and enjoyed playing cards and jigsaw puzzles. On March 9, 1946 he was married to Rosella Ina (Helton), who survives. Also surviving are two children: Beverly Fronsman of Battle Creek and Robert Lee (Dawn) Stebleton of Ocala, FL; two grandchildren: Chris Brashears and Paul (Joanna) Stebleton; and two great-grandchildren: Whitman and Aden Stebleton. He was preceded in death by seven brothers and two sisters. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Lakeview High School Athletic Department.
