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Retired CW3 Leslie ‘Earl’ Digman of Opelika, Alabama, passed away on June 21, 2026.
Earl was born in 1936 in Elkins, a son of Claude and Ruth Nestor Digman. He was predeceased by Geraldine ‘Gerry’ Digman, his wife of 60 years, and son-in-law, Frank ‘Buddy’ DeGraffenried. He is survived by daughters, Jo DeGraffenried, Lesley Digman and Trish Boston (Scott); as well as five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Claude Willis Digman and Janet Digman Sigworth.
Earl enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 following graduation from Elkins High School. He was then assigned to various bases in the United Kingdom where he met his wife, Gerry, who was from England.
After his European assignments, Earl returned to Elkins for a short period of time. He decided to join the U.S. Army after working at various jobs in the Elkins area. A Vietnam veteran, he achieved his dream of flying and was awarded many medals during his 23 combined years of service with the Air Force and Army. They included the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Earl retired to his “Flying D Farm” in Opelika, Alabama, in 1977. Deciding he wanted to see more of the United States, he became a truck driver. Earl joined many service organizations after military retirement and was commander of Chapter 2205 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in 2013 and 2014. He was also a member of the Military Officers Association of America and had served as treasurer.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of arrangements for Leslie ‘Earl’ Digman.