Mr. Maurice Duffel, 62, of Edinburg, TX, passed away October 21, 2018, at Doctor's Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, TX. Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018, at Ray Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will follow beginning at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018, at Ray Funeral Home with Rev. Greg Chamblee officiating. Interment will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 28, 2018, at McGrew Cemetery in Cardwell, MO.
Maurice was born in St. Louis, MO, on November 28, 1955, to Carlis Mitchell Duffel and Alfreda Gibson Duffel. Graduating from Delta State University with a degree in Science, Maurice became a licensed Agricultural Entomologist and a member of the Mississippi Entomological Association. In 1982, he began working for the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Science based out of Mississippi State University. He conducted inspections and certifications for commercial and private companies who used pesticides.
In 1988, he started working for the USDA as an APHIS (Animal, Plant, and Health Inspector) in Boll Weevil eradication for Georgia and later Alabama. In 1997, he moved to South Carolina where he inspected incoming plants and animal by-products at ports; and in 1998, he became a Level 13 PPQ officer working in Palmetto, Sarasota, and later in Pensacola, Florida. He over saw the planning and management of all activities concerning the eradication of the Citrus Canker and Cactus Moth. At his present job at Mission Airforce Base, he continued eradicating the Cactus Moth. He received many awards for outstanding service and performance during his 30 years in the government.
Maurice enjoyed being with his family, especially his favorite brother-in-law, Bobby. He loved playing his guitars, singing, and collecting coins and arrowheads. Also, he enjoyed cooking for his staff by often making chicken salad and his specialty, chili.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his sister, Sheila Guest (Bobby) of Boyle, MS.
Visitation
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Saturday, October 27, 2018
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States
Celebration of Life
2:00 pm Saturday, October 27, 2018
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States
Interment
3:00 pm Sunday, October 28, 2018
McGrew Cemetery Missouri Cardwell, Missouri, United States