Daniel Mafus Fekety

Daniel M. Fekety, retired MSgt, passed away at his home on March 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, Janice (Jan) of 28 years, and beloved pet Abby.

Dan was born in Meridian, MS, on September 20, 1945 to the late Sheila Fekety Peel and his stepdad, Albert H. Peel.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Ponsell Fekety; brothers, Steve Fekety (Kay), David Peel (Maggie), Nephew, Julian Fekety (Andie), Nieces, Amanda Fekety, and Tanya Peel (Dieter Rauter). Brother-in-law Randy Ponsell (Sandra) Niece Tracy Ponsell. RV travel buddies, Ron & Connie Corey.

He served in the United States Air Force for 22 years as Radio Communications Analysis Technician and later continued a second career at Jacksonville International Airport for 20 years. Daniel M. Fekety was a 1965 Graduate of Sumter County High School.   At seventeen, between his junior and senior year at Sumter County, Dan joined the Marine Corps Reserve unit in Meridian, MS, and went off to Paris Island, SC, for Basic Training. Upon returning, he completed his senior year of high school, graduated, and entered the Active-Duty Marine Corps as a Private First Class. He was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC. After one year in the Marines, Dan requested an interservice transfer to the Air Force. He tested out so high on the Air Force Vocational Aptitude Battery Exam (AFVAB), he was assigned to a highly classified intelligence gathering Agency known as the United States Air Force Security Service (USAFSS). It was a clandestine signals and electronic intelligence gathering organization. The USAFSS main tasking was responsibility of hundreds of secret listening posts around the world set up to closely monitor the communist government. His talent working with state-of-the-art communication equipment took him to many assignments such as Wakkanai Air Station Japan, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, and other not-to-be-mentioned garden spots. He mustered out of service at Homestead AFB, Florida, in 1987 with 22 years of service and the rank of Master Sergeant.

A few of his military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Navy Meritorious unit Commendation, AF Overseas Ribbon with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Dan was a gifted writer and walking encyclopedia of the performance and capability of dozens of different aircraft. He was a quiet man whose talents lay hidden unless engaged in conversation. He will be missed.

The burial will be at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road Jacksonville FL,32218, with full Air Force Honors on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, at 11 am Lane # 2

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cedar Bay Funeral Home 

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