Col. Edward M. Duchnowski

Col. (retired, 446th Military Airlift Wing, McCord Air Force Base, WA) Edward M. Duchnowski passed away with his loved ones at his side on Flag Day, June 14. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Wanda Riesz Duchnowski; his daughter, Nicole Riesz Duchnowski, and Ed’s granddaughter, Hope K. Durham; and his son, David Duchnowski and his wife, Brenda, and Ed’s granddaughter, Taryn Duchnowski, all of Fishers; as well as his son, Daniel Duchnowski and his wife, Melissa, and Ed’s 2 grandsons, Liam and Parker Duchnowski, all of Bonaire, GA. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Steve Duchnowski, of Johnstown, PA. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Henry and Mary Grachek Duchnowski, also of Johnstown, PA.

His wife reflected how appropriate that Ed should die on Flag Day since he fought for his flag and his country, as a 34-year United States Air Force veteran, serving from the Viet Nam Era thru 1989. Ed, originally from Johnstown, PA, graduated from Penn State with a major in engineer mining and was immediately commissioned into service going to the USAF Air University to become a pilot. Rated in the L-350, FK-28, B-737, B-757, and B-767, with over 8,000 flying hours, he was awarded the USAF Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Contribution to the mission of the 446th Military Airlift Wing; the Individual Flying Hour Milestone Award (MAC); the Award of Appreciation, USAF World-wide Safety Conference; the MAC Flight Safety Awards twice; 1st place, MAC Combat Air Drop Competition, USAF Reserve; the Air Medal with Clusters; and was a Distinguished Graduate of the USAF Air War College.

Following his USAF retirement, he became the Director of Flight Standards and Safety, Alaska Airlines, and, subsequently, moved to Indianapolis to be Vice President for Safety & Security, ATA Airlines. Following 7 years at ATA, he commuted to FAA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., serving as the Aviation Safety Inspector and leading international safety forums, developing numerous safety and security-related policies and procedures. He received his MBA from Auburn University and also published numerous aviation articles. He also was listed in Who’s Who, and was a Board member of the Indianapolis Yacht Club (at Geist), and the Native American Sacred Circle, as well as being a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and a member of B.P.O. Elks, 446, Bloomington. He continued to enjoy piloting and boating well into his retirement as well as watching his grandchildren as they became older.

Visitation with light refreshments and a military greeter Bill Henley will be Tues, June 22, at Indiana Funeral Care at 8151 N. Allisonville, Indianapolis, 46250, 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be Wed, June 23, 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6050 N. Meridian, Indianapolis, 46208, with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Military Honor Guard presenting the Colors, a Bugler and a Rifle Team at 11:00 with a brief church service to follow. Interment will be at 2:30, Wed, June 23, at Valhalla Cemetery, 310 N. Johnson, in Bloomington, 47404, in the Valhalla Elks Memorial Garden. Pall Bearers will be his 2 sons, Brian Durham, Ed Allen, Gerald Hubbard, and Farzad Fadae. Donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or Parkinson’s Association in memory of Ed at 912 Killian Hill Road, SW; Lilburn, GA 30047. The immediate family will wear white (as may others) in honor of Ed--who used to fly above the clouds and now is soaring with the angels.