Maurice M. Duddy, 77, of Coldwater passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.
Cremation has taken place. Interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.
Arrangements are being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home.
Maurice was born March 26, 1948 in Coldwater to Patrick and Marie (Reiner) Duddy. He graduated from St. Charles Catholic High School. He married Delaine (Morris) Duddy December 9, 1967. Soon after, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he dedicated 30 years of honorable service. He later retired from the Michigan Air National Guard in 2003.
In addition to his military career, Maurice worked as a machinist at Metaldyne – Simpsons Industries from 1972 until his retirement in 2007. He was known for his strong work ethic, precision, and mechanical expertise throughout his many years in manufacturing.
During his distinguished military career, Maurice was stationed at Travis Air Force Base (California) during the Vietnam War and later joined the Michigan Air National Guard in Battle Creek, MI. He was deployed twice to Aviano Air Base, Italy in support of the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina and once to Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait during the Gulf War. He proudly served as the Crew Chief of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft #258 from the time it first arrived in Battle Creek in 1991 until he retired in 2003. He was known as “MacGyver” by his fellow servicemen and women.
Maurice enjoyed collecting, restoring and admiring cars and trucks. He was a NASCAR fan and enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm for the sport with family and friends. Mechanically inclined and hardworking, he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
Above all, Maurice was proud of his children and grandchildren and found great joy in celebrating their accomplishments. His family was his greatest honor, alongside his faithful service to his country.
Maurice is survived by his wife, Delaine Duddy; his children Michele Dobay, Michael (Mindy) Duddy, Christopher (Ashlee Cook) Duddy; his siblings Sheila Hesse, Terrance Duddy, Kevin Duddy; and his grandchildren Katarina Dobay, Andrew Duddy, Linnea Dobay, and Nicholas Duddy. He was preceded in death by his siblings Donald Duddy, James Duddy, and Mary Stockwell.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo for the transportation and restoration of A-10 Thunderbolt II #258, which will be arriving at the museum this spring. www.airzoo.org/A10
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