Duane Kevin Diehl, 68 years old, of Clarkesville, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on December 23, 2024, after a brief illness.
Born on September 28, 1956, in Bethesda, MD, Duane was raised on a family farm. The hard work ethic he learned there as a child would go on to color every aspect of his life. After finishing school in Naples, FL, Duane spent time working as a fire investigator before transitioning to a successful career in law enforcement with the City of Gainesville, Florida, Police Department. Law Enforcement was a fulfillment of his passion. It was a career he was proud of and one that communities across Florida continue to benefit from to this day. After 40 years of public service with many friends and many more memories, Duane and his wife Cindy retired to the peaceful mountains of Clarkesville. Duane’s passion for hard work was only surpassed by his fierce love of family and friends. Even while battling and eventually overcoming throat cancer five years ago, Duane only wanted to spend time and serve those around him. If you ever spent more than five minutes with Duane, you were invited to come spend time with him enjoying “his mountains”. Whether it was through public service, surviving cancer, fishing, or his love of beekeeping, Duane found a way to connect with everyone he met.
He was a father of three, a stepfather of four, and Papaw to 15 grandchildren.
While we mourn the loss of Duane here on this side of heaven, we rest in the fact that he is back in the loving arms of Jesus, in the presence of God and the company of those who had gone before him. Although he has passed, his love endures and one day we will see him again on those beautiful shores of Glory.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date welcoming all who had the privilege of knowing and loving Duane.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535
