Durmot Elmo KillianJuly 13, 1920 - Sept. 17, 2017VisaliaDurmot Elmo Killian, Chief Warrant Officer (USN), age 97 passed away at his home surrounded by his family on September 17, 2017. Elmo was a hero to his family, country, community and church. He was born on July 13, 1920 in Sayre, Oklahoma to Madaus Killian and Nina Gills Killian. He retired from the US Navy after serving 20 years (1940 to 1960). He met his wife, Betty Ann Morrill in 1953 in Albuquerque during his assignment as a ROTC instructor for the University of New Mexico. Elmo served during WWII and the Korean war, including the June 6, 1944, D-day invasion at Normandy, France. He fought in 4 combat campaigns; American, African, Middle East and Pacific and he received 6 Bronze Star medals. Upon graduation from San Diego State (go Aztecs), in 1966 he accepted a teaching position with Mt Whitney High School (Visalia, CA) where he taught mathematics to hundreds of students until 1980.Elmo loved gardening and his church community, serving as a deacon emeritus for the Visalia, First Christian Church Disciples of Christ. He shared his garden bounty with many friends and neighbors.He is survived by 3 children: Jeanne Kreter-Killian (Berkeley, CA), David Killian (Roanoke, VA) and Richard Killian (State College, PA), their spouses Dan Kreter, Wesleyan Busbee Killian, Joy Vincent-Killian and 6 grandchildren Elizabeth, Natalie, Carol, Westley, Russell and Elliott."I live on in the cells and hearts of my loving children and grandchildren and my deeds of loving kindness."In lieu of flowers, donate to the Visalia Education Foundation, 5000 W. Cypress, Visalia, CA 93277.Memorial services will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 at Miller Memorial Chapel at 11:00 P.M.