Major Duane Edward Aasted USAF (Retired)
Duane was born in Santa Barbara on March 4, 1933, the eldest son of Edward and Dagmar Eline (Petersen) Aasted. He was predeceased by his wife Emily (Hills) Aasted in 2014. He is survived by sons Eric (Erin) of CO., Mark in Ventura, Erika of WA., stepdaughters Laura Gimby (Bev Stohl) of MA., and Linnea Crespo-Gimby of Hawaii. He leaves behind his grandchildren Christopher (Tiffany), Matthew (Heather), Andrea, Steven, Katherine, Andrea Capps, and Alex McGoldrick, grandson Codex, and step-grandchildren Charlene Lawson (David), Kelli Crespo, and Jay Stohl. His step-great-grandchildren include Charlotte, Kensli, and Christopher.
Duane attended Harding Elementary, La Cumbre Jr. High, and graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1951. He enlisted in the US Air Force soon after, serving for 20 years. Duane entered the Aviation Cadet Program and graduated as a 2nd Lt. after which he became a flight instructor for 3 1/2 years. He went on to fly F-86’s, F-100’s, and B-47’s. He flew for four years at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho with the 9th Bomb Wing, and in 1962 he was the lead crew representing the group in the World Bombing Competition. In 1968 and 1969 he served in Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller. While there he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, 17 Air Medals, and the Vietnamese Cross of Valor. After his tour in Vietnam he flew KC-135’s until his retirement in 1971 at March AFB in California. Duane went on to work as a salesman in home entertainment at Sears Roebuck in Santa Barbara for 18 years. His hobbies included square and round dancing, sailing, flying his ultralight, and building and flying remote control airplanes. He was an enthusiastic member of both Mackenzie and Santa Barbara Lawn Bowl Clubs, Elks Lodge 613 with the Caravaneers RV Club, and joined his wife Emily as a member of the Santa Barbara Genealogical Society. He and Emily spent many years camping, going on cruises, and traveling with their RV groups.
He will be missed by family and friends. The family would like to extend their heart felt thanks to Duane’s long term caregiver, Letti Culberson.