Duane Dee Poe

Duane Dee Poe died on November 23, 2024, at the age of 88. Duane was born to Virgil and Edna (Endsley) Poe on April 19, 1936, in Walla Walla, WA.

Duane is survived by his wife, Jean (Zahner) Poe, and his daughter, Maureen Johnson, and family.

There will be a private interment for family and friends.

His daughter, Maureen would like to share her memories with you.

“My father was a dedicated, generous, and caring man, and I feel fortunate to have had him in my life for 54 wonderful years.

One specific memory that perfectly encapsulates who my father was is tied to his undying love for dogs, especially his black labs, all named Babe. Throughout his life, he had four black lab females, each one bringing him immense joy and comfort. He had Babe buried where she was born, alongside her sister in a serene mountain landscape in Dayton, Washington. Many times, when he spoke of her after her passing, he would get teary-eyed. He loved her deeply. Babe brought my father great happiness and cheer. She is greatly missed. Rest in peace, Babe.

One of my father‘s greatest achievements was his passion for the great outdoors. He spent most of his life hunting and fishing. During summer vacations, he would take me to beautiful destinations, my two favorites being Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. He taught me how to fly fish when I was a young girl, and I learned how to tie flies. His love for sports also led him to coach my fast-pitch softball team for several years. I played for nine years with my father by my side, always enthusiastic and proud of my playing abilities. Our family also joined his passion for hunting, often visiting the mountains near Twisp, Washington, where we’d gather around a campfire, listening to his grand tales of hunting expeditions.

A particularly cherished memory is when my dad took my family to Yellowstone National Park when our kids were young. On one outing, a big buffalo was blocking the road, forcing us to slow down. Our little dog, Harry, jumped into my father’s lap, barking furiously at the enormous Buffalo. My father laughed and remarked that Harry thought he could tear that Buffalo from limb to limb. It was a funny scene and a precious memory of a lighthearted family moment. On the same trip, we spotted a mother moose with her baby at our camping ground. It was an incredible site, witnessing such majestic creatures in close proximity.

What I will miss most about my father is his love, dedication, and investment in my life, my husband, and our kids. He was always there for us, never missing a birthday, always sharing fond memories. Family was incredibly important to him, and his happiest moments were hearing stories about his grandchildren, especially their hunting achievements. He was particularly proud of my son Dillon, who caught his first cutthroat trout on the Lochsa River and later packed out his own mule deer on one of our hunting trips.

My father‘s Legacy extends beyond our family. I want him to be remembered not only as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and brother but also as a friend to all he knew he knew. He served in the United States Navy as a Machinist Mate from 1956 to 1960, a role that taught him a trade which supported his family. We thank him for his service and are honored by his dedication to our country.

Another of my father‘s loves was for vintage cars. Over his lifetime, he fixed and detailed many old cars, including a 1968 Mustang, which he later gifted to me. This car is where I learned how to drive, and he ensured it remained in its original glory. My father was also fond of trail-riding motorcycles. I have fond memories of the events he participated in with his old Montesa, where he would ride me around and introduce me to his friends.

I remember the special cages he built for me to house rabbits and pheasants. The day I got to release them into a beautiful area near my Aunt Nin and Uncle Arnils’ property in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, is a memory I hold dear.

In closing, my father, Duane Dee Poe, was a true gentleman. His love and dedication have left a lasting impact on all of us. He has passed his passions and love onto us, and for that, we are eternally grateful. We will cherish the memories and the love he gave us forever.

Thank you, Dad. We love you.

Rest in peace.”