More detail on this person: Capt. Duane T.
"Smoke" Daily logged final flight entry November
16, whilst at home dreaming of adventures...
Smoke was a husband, father and aviator of the
highest order. Born May 29, 1942 in McKeesport,
PA, he is survived by his loving wife of 46 years,
Lana, her children, Derek (Tiffany) and Darren
(Crystal), their grandchildren Dylan/Iris &
Eveie/Finn respectively, his mother Thelma Daily,
sister-in-law-in-house, Marilyn Whitehead,
sisters-in-law Joyce Rey (Arthur), Audrey Craig
(Sherod), Donna DiPietrantonio and brother-in-law
Will Aprile (Judy).
He attended Fresno State College joining Theta Chi
and meeting Lana Jane, his wife to be. Shortly
thereafter, the sky came a calling.
As a pilot, Duane's career began under the
tutelage of his father and fellow USAF airman, Lt.
Col TH "Smoke" Daily. The nickname came along
with the ride. Smoke served our country with honor
from 1964 to 1970. Stationed in Minot AFB, ND,
Southeast Asia and at Elmendorf AFB Anchorage
AK, he earned several prominent recognitions
including the Silver Star (Nov. 1968) for his
gallant action during the Vietnam War.
If they built it, he could fly it... Over the
course of 50 years, Smoke flew military,
commercial and corporate equipment types,
including but not limited to T-37/38, B-52, Jolly
Green Giants, Huey, DC-8/10, B-727/737/747,
A319/320, Pilatus and Citation. His commercial
and private aviation highlights included logging
over 22,000 flight hours with ZERO accidents or
violations, serving as; a Chief Pilot for
Transamerica Airlines (ex/Trans International
Airlines aka TIA), a NASA trainer, an Airbus Cpt.
for America West Airlines (US Airways) and most
recently as a pilot for the DuraFlame Co. During
each of these stays, Dad made numerous long-term
friendships which continue to this day.
An avid classic car enthusiast and man of sport,
Smoke loved to play golf, tennis, ski, walk dogs
and collect (many) car parts. The auto fleet
includes early Americana, European Muscle,
Japanese import, modern Swedish and more. Some
even have wheels. Recent missions required his
participation in somewhat milder activities such
as fishing, beachcombing and lounging, duties
which he is also said to have performed with
aplomb.
He visited every country of the world, with the
exception of Russia, during his days in the
military and at TIA. His family was lucky to enjoy
travelling along on occasion, but as airplanes
served as his office, he preferred to relax at
home, play on the golf course, visit with
neighborhood friends, take up a racquet or don a
pair of trunks to swim with the family.
Smoke was loved especially for his good humor,
being a good sport, his odd taste in leftovers,
'over-the-top' cabin PA announcements, but mostly
for his dreaming. His parting was far too soon and
he will be missed greatly.
A gathering to remember Smoke will take place
early in the new year, inquires are welcomed via
dtdaily@yahoo.com.
Memorial contributions would also be welcomed via
the Pancreatic Cancer Network at pancan.org
and/or Community Hospice. www.cvobituaries.com
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 11/02/2023
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