Duane F. (Dewey) Eggleston

Duane was born on January 17, 1953. The first of 6 children born to Frederick and Dorothy Eggleston who preceded him in death. He was raised on the family farm in Watts Flats. They were a close-knit family which included grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Dewey attended and graduated from Panama Central School in 1971 where he was active in football and baseball. Upon graduation he worked in several factories, his first being General Electric in Erie, PA as a welder and lastly Carborundum as a crane operator.

Dewey rarely ever missed a Panama basketball or football game. He was there to cheer on his sons and grandsons in all their sporting activities as well as just to support his alma mater. He also coached his son Derek’s little league team for several years. He loved deer hunting, going to auction, collecting old toys & hot wheels. Along with many family pig roasts, reunions, graduations, and weddings held at “Eggleston Camp”. He spent time with one of his closest friends who predeceased him, Bruce James, who had his own plane, and they would fly over Chautauqua County. Dewey lived as he loved, with his whole heart dancing to the beat of his own drum and now flying high.

Dewey was a loving dad, grandpa and great grandpa. He cherished every minute he spent with his family. His sarcastic sense of humor will be missed by all.

Besides his parents, Dewey was preceded in death by his brother, Randall Eggleston and his sister, Elaine (Sis) Lamb.

Left behind to honor “The Legend of Watts Flats” are his children: Dawn (Michael) Frary of Watts Flats, Tanya Eggleston, of Jamestown, Derek and Wyatt Eggleston of Watts Flats. Brothers: Scot (Julie) Eggleston and Barry (Tina) Eggleston; a sister, Jolayne (late Tim) Ford; Sister-InLaw, Sharon Eggleston and Brother-in-law, Kenneth Lamb. Abbi Trusler, who was like a daughter to him. Lifelong companion Diane Young.

He was also blessed with 5 grandchildren: Tanner (Jolinda) Propheter, Hunter and Spencer Frary, Tyresse (Kara) Thompson, Trayce and Trysten Eggleston. Two great-grandchildren, Myles and Ava Mae Propheter, as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 22, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Watts Flats United Methodist Church, 850 Blockville-Watts Flats Road Ashville, NY. Please wear your favorite Carhartt shirt and jeans in Dewey’s honor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Watts Flats United Methodist Church, or the family is accepting monetary donations to cover funeral expenses as Dewey had no life insurance. This is entrusted to Derek Eggleston, 5046 Washington St. Panama, NY 14767.