C. Duane Corbett
November 17, 1924 ~ October 31, 2011
C. Duane Corbett, 87, of Kentwood, Michigan, formerly of Weirton, passed away Monday, October 31, 2011.
Born November 17, 1924 in Steubenville, OH, he was the son of the late C. C. and Mary Mae Lewis Corbett.
He was also preceded in death by his first wife Geraldine Morrison Corbett and his second wife Phyllis Packer-Corbett. He was a 1942 graduate of Follansbee High School. He received his music degree from West Liberty State College and a graduated degree from The University of Michigan. From 1956-1980, Mr. Corbett served as Band and Orchestra Director for Sexton High School in Lansing, Michigan.Under his direction the band marched in the half time shows for the Detroit Lions. Mr. Corbett continued to direct The Capitol City Alumni Marching Band. He was a former member of the Weirton First Christian Church. During World War II he served in the South Pacific on the destroyer ship USS Spangler.
Mr.Corbett is survived by his daughter Linda Corbett (Dale DeVries) of Kentwood, MI; and step-children Scott Packer, Debra Koetsier, and Denise Cassleman. Friends will be received Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 12PM until the 1PM chapel services at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Weirton where Military Services will be conducted by the American Legion Firing Squad.
Reverend Kevin Bowers will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Weirton First Christian Church, 3252 Main Street, Weirton, WV 26062.
Arrangements are under the direction of Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV 26062.
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Mr. Corbett was the BEST band teacher ever. He set the standard high and made us work up to that standard. He didn’t accept anything less. I will always treasure his belief in me as a musician because he encouraged my creativity. My prayers and sympathies are with his family, Penny Filonczuk Director of bands, Otto & Gardner Middle Schools, Lansing Michigan
What a great person. It was a pleasure to have him as a director in school, and as a true friend with the alumni band. He will be greatly missed for all his “hogrot”.
Mr. Corbett taught us many things, and we would have done anything for him as his music students. And that’s not a “bunch of hogrot”. Duane, Go Blue and keep playing that ragtime on the piano. We’ll keep the drums spinning for you.
Duane Corbett was a character builder. He demanded the best and got it. The band, because of his efforts traveled to two World’s Fairs, NY City more than once, Atlantic City, and Hawaii. It performed anually for several years at the Thanksgiving Day Lions football games and played at numerous fund raising events including on street corners for the Lansing State Journal’s Old News Boys sale for children’s boots and clothing. It was because of the leadership and dedication of Duane Corbett. He is revered and missed by us all who were touched by his genius. We loved him and he loved us as he did two special ladies in his life who passed too soon.
I wanted to write so much more! Mr. Corbett was a great teacher and leader, and a second father to most of us. I became a band director because of his influence. I can still picture him on top of the steps after a football game yelling “Who’s got the greatest marching band in the world?!” And we would answer “Sexton!” You made us believe in ourselves. We will never forget you.
Unlike any other school here in Lansing, during Duane Corbett’s tenure, when you were in “the band”, you were part of the history that made Sexton High School an experience in and of itself. The music program was extraordinary because of his leadership and dedication. We were, are still are, “the band” and he will always be “the director”. Thank-you for my three years of wonderful music, friendship, and a lifetime of love with the quarter-note!
During Mr. Corbett’s time as the band director of Sexton High School, he influenced the lives of thousands of students with his relentless pursuit of excellence that he commanded from everyone associated with the band. The lessons learned from this man had a profound effect on my life and many, many others. He was the most influential teacher that I had ever had in all of my years attending school, from Kindergarten through High School, and even College. He taught us that you can achieve great results in life with the proper amount of preparation. I was in his band and orchestra classes for all of my High School years (1971-1974). He brought a sense of pride to the students, parents, and community that was unbelievable. Mr. Corbett’s spirit and legacy will live on in the countless number of lives that he had touched. Goodbye “D.C.”, I will miss you. Sincerely, Mark Wilcox (Class of 74)
To the family of Duane Corbett, Mr. Corbett was a great teacher and a great man. Thanks D.C. for the many happy memories. You will live forever in my heart. Phil Wieferich
My condolences to Mr. Corbett’s family. I have wonderful memories of my years in band, orchestra, and dance band. He was very special.
Dear Corbett Family, Please accept my condolences from me. I just found out today as I live in Florida, and have been out of touch, until a band member sent video’s with Mr. Corbett. I wanted to send him a card, then I found out he is marching to a different drummer now. Mr. Corbett helped shaped the man I am today. Focusing on precision, and practice until it’s perfect. I was a drum major for the band in 1965. Mr. Corbett and I shared much, and it meant so much to me. Funny think about being drum major was that I was such a bad trombone player, he had to do something with me!