Duane Haley Mellinger
Passed away at his home in Highland on Monday, March 25th.Duane was born on April 20, 1929, in Anaheim, CA to Theodore and Hala Mellinger. After graduating from Los Angeles Pacific Junior College in 1947, he enlisted in the Army having served as a chaplain’s assistant during the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Korean and UN service medals as well as a commendation ribbon for his bravery during his service. In 1950, he joined the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He left the Sheriff’s department and joined Crest Forest Fire Department as a Battalion Chief in 1959. He joined Montclair Fire Department in 1961, promoting to the rank of Assistant Chief before being appointed Fire Chief of the Central Valley Fire Protection District in 1977, having started the Chaffey College Fire Academy before retiring from Central Valley in 1982. . He is survived by his beautiful wife, Shirley, and their four children, Richard, wife Francesca, Dana and wife Brenda, daughters Denise Slate & Dawn Jeremiah, daughter in law Christy Mellinger, along with 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren and his brother Ronnie of Pahrump, NV. He is predeceased by sons DeLane, Jeffrey and grandson, Joshua.
Visitation is Wednesday, April 3rd from 5-8PM at Mt. View Mortuary, San Bernardino. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 4 at 11AM at Immanuel Baptist Church, 28355 Base Line, Highland Internment will immediately follow at Mt. View Cemetery, San Bernardino. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the California Firefighter Memorial, 1780 Creekside Oaks Dr., Suite 200, Sacramento, CA, 95833
Published in San Bernardino Sun on March 29, 2013