Duane Lester Unruh

Duane Lester Unruh, 82, died February 10, 2017 at Schowalter Villa Nursing Home in Hesston. He was born on September 11, 1934 at the family farm near Montezuma, the son of Ernest E. and Adina (Unruh) Unruh.

Duane spent his childhood in Montezuma. He attended school in Montezuma, graduating from Montezuma High School in 1954 where he also played football. After high school, Duane went on to further his education at Dodge City Community College and graduated in 1956. He then joined the United States Army from 1957-1959 and was stationed in Germany during his service. Duane was in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1959-1963. On March 17, 1973, he married Nancy Joan Ashcraft in Dodge City. She preceded him in death on October 7, 1997. After their marriage, they made their home in Dodge City. Duane worked for Ford County in the road department as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement. Duane enjoyed visiting with the men in his coffee group and loved spending time with his grandchildren. 

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Dodge City where he served as a deacon and drove the church bus for many years.

Duane is survived by two children, DeLane Unruh and wife Barbara of Newton and Darcy Hawkins and husband Kyle of Liberty Hill, Texas; step-children, Gary Hemphill and wife Darlene of Pratt and Melvin Hemphill of New Port News, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Devin Unruh, Dayton Unruh, Katelyn Dorrell, Allen Dorrell, Diana Unruh, Daylen Hawkins, and Dara Hawkins; four step grandchildren, Kurt Hemphill, Kyle Hemphill, Kevin Hemphill, and Sean Hiese; and two brothers, Galen Unruh and wife Mildred of Colorado City, Colorado and Nathan Unruh and wife Alicia of Chapman. In addition to his wife, Nancy, Duane is preceded in death by his parents and a step daughter, Marsha Lasswell.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Friday February 17, 2017 at 10:30 AM with Chaplain Wendy Miller presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City with military rites by KSARNG Military Honors. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Thursday February 16, 2017 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Schowalter Villa for a nursing scholarship in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.