Maurice V. Duggins

Maurice V. Duggins, age 88, resident of Eaton and Waynesfield, Ohio, peacefully ascended to heaven with his family at his side on July 22, 2021.

He was born in Eaton and one of four children to the former LeRoy Duggins and Edith Henemyer Duggins. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Doris Williams Duggins; son Timothy Duggins; stepfather Earl Cumston; brother Everett Duggins; sister Regina Duggins Overholts, brother-in-laws Howard Overholts and Harold Worley; son-in-law, David Marker; and stepdaughter, Shelva Gilroy.

In addition to his wife of 27 years, JoAnn Sheets Duggins, he is survived by son, Christopher Duggins, and daughters Christine Marker and Rebecca (Brian) Marker. Daughter-in-law Rebecca Duggins. Sister Janice Worley. Sister-in-law Lois Susie Leedy. Stepchildren Dennis (Kim) Sheets, Joe Gilroy, and Jeanie (Robert) Waitman. Grandchildren Ryan Nolan, Kyle Nolan, Jason Nolan, Holly (Lance) Schenkel, Julie Duggins (Joe) Perrino, Angela Duggins (Josh Leonard), Jeremy (Angie) Wysong, Cory (Sarah) Wysong, and Lana (Ryan) Coby. He was proud of his 18 great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Maurice proudly joined the 107th Armored Cavalry at Eaton National Guard at age 14 with the written consent of his father. He served on the Eaton Tank Line from 1947 to 1953. Maurice enlisted in the Army from 1954 to 1956 where he served in the Korean War in the 78th and 538th Engineer Battalion in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. He trained at Camp Atterbury, IN; Grayling, MI, Fort Knox, KY, and Fort Belvoir, VA. Maurice was a heavy equipment APO and field maintenance/mechanic (D9s, cranes, earth movers, tanks, tank retrievers, Deuce and a half trucks). Upon returning from the service, he received advanced technical certifications as a diesel mechanic in Chicago, Illinois.  

He lived his life through the love of Christ. Maurice was a founding and charter member of Eaton Baptist Temple where he served as song leader, choir leader, local missionary, and Sunday School teacher. He was also a member of Waynesfield Baptist Church. He completed advanced studies at Cincinnati Bible College. Maurice’s passion for serving the Lord led him to become a growth catalyst for the Trucker’s Ministry, Midwest region, where he traveled and greatly impacted its expansion and growth.  

Maurice’s love and respect for veterans led him to become a charter member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter, Camden, Ohio. He was honored for his service at the homecoming of Preble County’s M4 Sherman Tank, Miss Preble, in 2017 and was the last known driver of this vessel that once sat at the Eaton Armory Building. Maurice was also honored in 2014 by members of the General Republic of Korea at the Veteran’s War Memorial in Dayton for his service in the forgotten war 64 years after the fact. 

He retired in 1982 after 30 years of service with Frigidaire, Delco, Harrison Radiator, and General Motors. Maurice had a strong appetite for all things related to cars and trucks, including Corvettes, sports, and classic cars. This led him to a four-decade chapter as founder and owner of Eaton Auto and Trux Sales with locations in Waynesfield and Eaton.  

Maurice had a soft heart for animals, and his children and grands. He loved long country drives and exploring the countryside by car. Maurice loved Stetson hats, and western suits and attire. He was a talented wood carver, vocalist, and custom auto body painting and fiberglass restorer.  

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at Barnes Funeral Home, 220 E. Main St., Eaton, Ohio with Charles Patterson, Jr. officiating.  Friends may call between 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Interment will be held at Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton, Ohio.  Full Military Honors provided by the Preble County Honor Guard. Condolences via www.barnesfuneralhome.com