Duane Scott Ellifritt

Duane Scott Ellifritt, Sr, died peacefully among family and friends on January 22, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joyce Marie Ellifritt (nee Arnold), his children Bonnie (d. 2017), Gem (Pai), Julia, Scott (Atchara), and grandchildren Ahmad, Lian, Claire, Nate, Victor, and Ploy. Duane was born on February 12, 1935 to Victor and Gussie Ellifritt, in Greenwood, West Virginia. Dr. Ellifritt was a Professor Emeritus in the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Florida. He had 19 years of experience in the steel industry, and 24 years in teaching and research with emphasis on steel structures and connections. He was an internationally recognized expert in the design of steel buildings and lectured on related subjects in Singapore, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Turkey, Sweden and Italy. His teaching activities include Oklahoma State University, the University of Florida and the University of Western Australia. In the fall of 1988, he filled a Distinguished Professor chair at the University of Wyoming. He was a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Florida, a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a life member of the Structural Stability Research Council, a member of the American Institute of Steel Construction Specification Committee, and also served on the American Iron and Steel Institute Cold-Formed Steel Specification Committee. He is the author of many papers on steel research and design and has co-authored a textbook on Cold-formed Steel Design. He retired from the University of Florida in 2000. He was inducted into the West Virginia Academy of Civil Engineers in 2005, and into the Metal Construction Hall of Fame in 2013. When not teaching, Duane enjoyed traveling, painting, watching Gator sports, and spending time with friends and family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the United Church of Gainesville’s Speakers Fund. 1624 NW 5th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603. Funeral services will be held at the Gainesville Hilton Hotel, 1714 SW 34th Street, on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 3pm. Family and friends are welcome to come participate in a celebration of Duane’s life, and enjoy a reception afterwards. Please visit his memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com.

Duane Scott Ellifritt

February 12, 1935 - January 22, 2018