Duane Neil Bennett

Duane Neil Bennett was born May 3, 1922, at Otego, Kansas, to Glenn S. and Grace Evelyn (Mullin) Bennett, and died February 5, 2007, at the Jewell County Hospital, Mankato, Kansas, at the age of 84 years, 9 months, and 2 days.

Duane was a life-long resident of Jewell County, Kansas. He attended Otego Grade School and Burr Oak High School. He married Margaret Lucille Meeker and to this union one daughter was born, Janet Sue.

He farmed and ranched for over 40 years, raising wheat, milo, and hay. His livestock included cattle and pigs. Upon retiring from farming, he opened and operated an resale appliance and furniture business. He expanded into antiques, and enjoyed traveling throughout the country buying and selling antiques and collectibles.

Margaret died on July 16, 1975. He later married Dana Lovice Owen on August 21, 1976.

Duane was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; his parents; and sister, Helen Devere Barnes.

He is survived by his wife, Dana of the home; daughter, Janet Sue New, of Brigham City, Utah; two step-daughters - Laurie Neilson and Cheryl Badger, both of Mankato, Kansas; two step-sons - Richard Thomas of Salina, Kansas, and Mark Thomas of Lincoln, Nebraska; four grandchildren - Stacey Lee Hanson, Victor Bennett Allred, Lee Allred, and Darcy Lynn Whatcott; eleven step-grandchildren - Megan MorFord, Pamela Barry, Matthew Badger, Daniel Badger, James Neilson, Jesse Neilson, Yvette Thomas, Tara Laterno, Rena Thomas, Jessica Thomas, and Alicia Ferguson; fourteen great-grandchildren; fourteen step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter, Lily Greatwood; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service for Duane Neil Bennett was held, Thursday, February 8, 2007, at 2:00 p.m., at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Neolin Taylor officiating. Pianist was Jan Thornton, soloist was Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle, violin solo was by Georgia Whatcott, and a special was performed by the great-grandchildren. The eulogy was written by Janet New, and read by Lee Allred, Matt Whatcott, also had a presentation. Casket bearers were: Victor Bennett Allred, Bob New, Brad MorFord, Matthew Badger, Trey Bennett Allred, and Bennett Whatcott. Honorary casket bearers were: Donald “Bud” Siemon, Daniel Badger, Shawn R. Barry, James Neilson, and Jessee Neilson. Interment was in the Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak, Kansas. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.