Biography

Bob Duell was born and raised in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Completing schools there, he earned a four-year scholarship to Yale University where he received his Engineering Degree. Immediately following his graduation, he joined the Navy and served as an officer on an LST in the Pacific during WWII. During the Battle of Okinawa his ship was hit by a Japanese suicide plane. He was hospitalized and later given a Purple Heart Award.

At the end of the war he married Beryl Boerner and began his career with Armstrong Cork Co. Two children, Leslie and Elizabeth, were born in Pennsylvania. In 1950 he was sent to the newly established plant in Pensacola, FL, where he worked in chemical research.

Joining Pensacola’s First United Methodist Church in 1950, he served in almost every capacity, including Chairman of the Official Board, Trustees and Superintendent of the Church School. Bob worked many years with the youth, which was his favorite work. He initiated several programs in the church, such as the first Boy Scout Troop, the first Square Dance Club, and was a part of the nucleus group that began the Lipscomb Class. In addition to his church, he served the community as President of the YMCA.

Beryl Duell’s family was among the original settlers of Tripp County, South Dakota. The last of ten children, she became the first of her family to graduate high school. She was also a devout member of First UMC of Pensacola where she served for more than 50 years in a variety of responsible positions.

Recipients

1974 Delle Brinson
1975 Bill Lester
1976 Helen Hudson
1977 Bob Varnson
1978 Julie Olliff
1979 Cyndi Roberds
1980 Roy Roane, III
1981 Bob Olliff
1982 Steve Schipman
1983 Carol Aldridge
1984 Susan Terrell
1985 Rob Garber
1986 Andy Andrews
1987 Chris Christian
1988 Doug Mitchell
1989 Ken Christian
1990 Chris Jones
1991 Jennipher Schrag
1992 Jamie Callahan
1993 Sean Rezek
1994 Bill Buck
1995 Jenna Dye
1996 Janet Callahan
1997 Lacey Boutin
1998 Todd Shaw
1998 Tommy Davies
1999 Erin Hayes
2000 Carrie Todd
2001 Tanner McKenzie
2002 Jenna Susko
2003 Blake Barr
2004 James Thomas
2005 Daniel Colbert
2006 Lesley Noyes
2007 Josh Hawks
2011 Allyn Beauregard
2012 Rachel Girouard
2013 Katherine Varnson
2014 Michael DuBose