David Lynn Duch

David Duch picture 001

David Lynn Duch of Hazen, Arkansas passed away peacefully on January 7th, 2020 at the age of 62. He was born in Carlisle, Arkansas on June 26, 1957, the son of the Richard and Charlene Duch. He was proceeded in death by his parents and his brother Ronnie Duch.

He spent his entire life in the Hazen area where he developed his love for agriculture and his community. He was fortunate enough to find a way to serve both all of his life.

His love of flying started at a young age, flying solo for the first time at the age of 16. David became the manager of the Stuttgart airport at the age of 19. He was also a flight instructor, teaching countless members of this community how to fly over his lifetime. In 1978, Jerry Fisher gave David his first opportunity towards his dream of becoming a crop duster and he was forever grateful. Then in 1979, he started flying for Don Whitaker at the Hazen airport. David and his brother in law, Randy Booe bought the business from Don in 1980, and B & D Flying Service was born. Over the next 40 years, David operated a flying service out of the Hazen airport serving Prairie County and the surrounding areas. He was the first ag pilot in the county to have an Air Tractor, which was an airplane that eliminated the need for flaggers, and revolutionized the crop dusting industry. David was a member of the Arkansas Agriculture Aviation Association, serving in every office on the board of directors, including presiding as president for 2 years. He served on the safety council for FAA. Besides being an ag pilot, David was involved in a charter air service, where he served as chief pilot and director of operations. As a charter pilot, one of his most gratifying experiences was transporting transplant organs for Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency. In his flying career, he logged over 25,000 hours.

David loved the Lord and was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. He served as head of Parish Council at St. Rose Catholic Church in Carlisle, Arkansas.

David served the city of Hazen for 25 years, 4 years as a council member and 21 years as mayor. During his tenure, David oversaw many progressive improvements to the city, for example the utility system, the community center, streets, the senior citizens center, walking trails through the city park and airport runway lights, just to name a few.

David married the love of his life, Jeri Ruth Booe, in July of 1978. They were blessed with 2 daughters, Amber Thomas (Jason) and Cara Hollingshead (Davie). They have 5 grandchildren, Jalynn, Jaycee, Jace, Duke and Savannah who were adored by their Grand-daddy.

David is survived by his brother Dwight Duch (LeaAnn) and his nephew Blake and niece Logan as well as a host of loving family and friends.

David was loved by so many, as was evidenced by the multiple of people who came to visit him over the past week in the hospital. David was a generous man, most of time anonymously. He will be missed terribly by his family, his friends and his community.

The family would like to thank Dr. Shafizadeh, Cara Petrus, Hazen First Responders, and the Hazen Police Department.

Visitation will be at the Hazen Community Center at 906 East Front Street in Hazen on Wednesday, January 8th, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Rosaries will follow. The funeral service will be Thursday, January 9th at 10:00 am at St. Syril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak, Arkansas. Burial will be at the Hazen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Saint Cyril Methodius Catholic Church 1852 Highway 86 W Stuttgart, AR 72160 or the Hazen Cemetery.

Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen.

34 thoughts on “David Lynn Duch”

  1. Thoughts & Prayers with the David Duch Family in the days, months & years ahead. He will definitely leave a Void in the Community. His Legacy will be carried on for a lifetime. ✝️

  2. Cliff Schafer Family

    We send our love and condolences to the family. David was an awesome person. His kindness and generosity was known by all who knew him. We loved his big hugs and his big smile. May Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

  3. Jeri and family, Jimmy and I are so sorry and sad for your loss. May the LORD wrap HIS loving arms around you and give the peace that only HE can. Our love and many prayers are for you today and the many days ahead. David will be so missed by so many. He was lived by all. Prayers.

  4. When I came to work for the City of Hazen, I had just finished my tenure as a business owner. I was very nervous and unsure of this job I had taken on. However, with a boss like David, you couldn’t go wrong. He made me feel at home from the start and was the best boss a person could ask for. He was the most generous person I’ve ever known and helped countless people anonymously. I am a better person for knowing David. Our city will never be the same, but I will do my best to carry on his wishes for our community! I have been praying for you since this nightmare happened and I will continue to pray for all of you!! Love you all!!

  5. Durinda Gammill

    My girls and I are heartbroken for the David Duch family. He was such a huge presence in their lives and we know how hard it will be for them to go forward without that “go to” person. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go with you and we pray for God’s peace of mind and heart for you. Our love to you all.

  6. Shawn and Nho Williams

    Condolences and Prayers to the Duch family.
    May God bring you peace and comfort in this time of loss and grief.

  7. David was a great leader for our class 0f 1975. He will truly be missed. Prayers for Jeri Ruth, Amber, Cara, Grandkids and other family members. You have or deepest sympathy.

  8. Doris Oslica Caravalho

    So sorry for the loss of your brother Dwight. I have a lot of wonderful memories of your family. I am here for you call on me anytime.

  9. Jennifer Adams Morris & family

    Dwight, Jeri Ruth, Amber & Cara and families,
    Many prayers for each of you during the coming days. David was a great guy and he will be missed. Know he is flying high and will watch over you. With Gods loving arms wrapped around you all I pray for strength during this time.
    Much love to you all. Jenn & Bo

  10. Susan and Larry Anthony

    David was a good man and was loved by many. He loved Hazen and his family dearly. We send our deepest sympathy to his wife, girls and his grandchildren!

  11. Cathy Rogers Gates

    Jeri, I am so sorry to hear about David. You and your family are in my prayers. David loved his hometown and gave back so much. You and the girls are in my prayers.

  12. Victoria & Rusty Adams

    Jeri Ruth, Amber & Cara & Dwight & family, We are so sorry for the loss of David he will be truly missed. We know David loved this little town and worked his tail off to make Hazen a nice place for all of us to live. David was a unique man and it will be hard to replace him . I can hear his laugh when I think of him. We are all here for you and your families. Sending our Love to you guys Victoria & Rusty & London

  13. Angela, Korbin & Bernard Burton

    We sending out Condolences & prayers to the Family. God bless you all.

  14. Angela, Korbin & Bernard Burton

    We’re sending out Condolences & prayers to the Family. God bless you all.

  15. Mike and Toni McLernon

    Jeri,Amber,Cara and family. We are so sorry for ur loss. David will be missed by so many. May god give you all peace and comfort now and the upcoming days. God bless you all. Love and prayers.

  16. Mike and Toni McLernon

    Jeri,Amber,Cara and family. We are so sorry for your loss. David will be missed by so many. May god give you all peace and comfort now and the upcoming days. God bless you all. Love and prayers.

  17. We are sending our condolences along with many prayers for all. He will be greatly missed by many!! May God give you peace and comfort !!
    Much love and prayers!

  18. Sandra Duch & Linda(Duch)Hannenberg

    Sorry for your loss.God will give you and your family strength at this difficult time.

  19. David Hollingshead

    Jeri,amber,Cara and Family I’m so sorry for your loss .David was the person that all husbands, Dads and granddaddy’s wants to be. David was the most kind loving and giving person I have ever known. David always had a smile and always put his hand out every time he saw you. David dearly love his family and the city of Hazen.David Love his flying and the people that he worked with.may God Bless you all . David May be in Heaven but he will be forever in are hearts. I Love You all with all my Heart.I’m always here if y’all ever need me. Love and prayers David Hollingshead

  20. Sheila Weems Scott

    Sorry for you all lost . He well be missed by everyone he every touched . He was loved by all . The Lord we’ll help you walk through is . If there is anything James Scott and I can do please let us know . Love James , Sheila and Gina .

  21. Erin Watson Duke

    I’m truly sorry about the loss of Mr. David. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, and may God wrap his loving arms around you during this difficult time.

  22. Amber, Cara, Mrs. Jeri, and sweet grandbabies of Mr. David, our love and prayers for God to envelope you all in comfort, peace, and love only He can provide. Mr. Duch left a legacy of kindness and generosity. Love you all.

  23. The Stallings Family

    We are terribly sorry for your loss. Praying that the Lord will bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

  24. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! I am so very sorry to hear this news!! David was a great person and he helped so many! He will be greatly missed! I will continue my prayers for you guys!!

  25. Arnold and Carol Hill

    Jeri,Amber,Cara and the grandkids ,so very sorry for your lo ss,Our thoughts and prayers are so with each of you. God Bless you all and be with you. We love you .David was a special man and he will be so missed. Arnold,Carol Hill and Madalyn Mills.

  26. Jeri, Dwight and your families. Am so sorry and extend to you all my sincerest condolences. David touched many lives and hearts, mine included. Dave and I shared an interest in aviation and though I’ve not lived near Hazen where I grew up, since joining the military in late 1983, I visited with him on most of my many visits home thereafter. He helped me learn to fly remote control planes as a young teen and helped me develop skills in general aviation over the many years following. I live over 1,100 miles away and am sorry I wasn’t there with you for his services, but please know I too appreciated and loved Big Dave and shall miss him. May our God console and bless you all as you mourn and miss him in the coming days and years. And may you all focus on your many good memories of him, especially when hurting and sad, and may you ensure you have a thriving relationship with God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ, that you may have confidence you’ll be with him once again in the Kingdom of God.

  27. Sandra Duch & Linda(Duch)Hannenberg

    Love you cousin/prayers/and love too your family.He is always in your heart ❤️

  28. Billy and Gail Booth

    As a quiet, gentle, talented, and kind man, David Duch served others unselfishly, without seeking public fanfare or personal honor or glory. He had a servant’s heart. No wonder that the citizens of Hazen appreciated him and re-elected him as Mayor time after time. Hazen and Prairie County were blessed by his civic contributions. Furthermore, people were blessed on a personal level just by knowing him. He left a positive legacy that will be cherished and appreciated by all those who knew him. Our prayers continue for his family.

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