Duane Bruce Smith
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Funeral services for Duane Bruce Smith, 79, Eudora, KS, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 3, 2025, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Eudora. A burial will follow at the Eudora City Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Eudora.
Duane was born on January 30, 1945, in Gardner, KS, the son of James Bruce and Eunice Alvera (Johnson) Smith. Duane devoted his life to his Lord & Savior, his family, his love of education and local sports, and serving the Eudora community in various capacities: former Vice President of the Eudora Board of Education, former board member of Eudora Area Historical Society, current treasurer and board member of Eudora Youth Service Organization, which includes the local Boy Scouts. Duane held this role as treasurer starting in 1990 and continued these duties until his death. He enjoyed being a part of providing growth opportunities for local youth over the years.
Duane retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas in 2008 as a Senior Programmer and Analyst, after working there for 25 years. Prior to that position he was a Computer Programmer and Analyst at Kansas University. His love for computer programming came after his time in the United States Air Force, where he served as Weather Officer. He held a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mathematics from the College of Emporia; a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Meteorology from the University of Utah, and he also studied Nuclear Engineering at Kansas State University, as well as Computer Science.
Duane is a Eudora High School graduate from the class of 1963. After traveling the world with the Air Force, he resided in Eudora – his hometown that he has always loved.
Duane loved hosting family gatherings, often referred to as the “Smith Family Card Parties”. He was always full of laughs, smiles and mischief, which has been passed on from his parents, and passed down through the generations.
Duane is survived by his siblings, Darrel (Kathy) Smith, Doug (Pam) Smith, Dennis Smith, Deb Smith, 12 nieces, 13 nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. While Duane never married or had any kids of his own, he was devoted to 7 of his great nieces and nephews that have called him “Grandpa” for years.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, as well as by his brother, David Smith.
The family suggests memorials in Duane’s name to Eudora Boy Scouts or Eudora Area Historical Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.
Darrel and family,
I’m sorry to learn of the passing of your brother, Duane.
Where lives pass, memories carry on forever. Hold
those memories close.
You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace.
I am so sorry for your loss, your all in my thoughts and prayers,
We are so sorry for your loss… Sending prayers to the family..
I will miss seeing him out walking around town. He always gave a friendly wave.
Duane and his family were our neighbors years ago. I am very sad to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.
I have many fond memories of Duane, growing up as his neighbor. He was one of the brightest students in the class of 1963.
Dear Smith Family.
We were sad to read of Duane’s passing. We have known your family a long time and know this is a difficult for you. Duane was a part of the car pool when we were college students in Emporia. He was usually very quiet. We have enjoyed the films he has shared about Eudora’s earlier days. He will be missed. Sending prayers of comfort.
Duane and I became friends when we were 6 years old. And through the years we have stayed in contact. He was a good friend and I will miss him. The last time I saw him, he came to Arizona and went through Winslow and stopped at the corner “Taking it easy”.
Dear Smith family,
We were saddened to hear the news of Duane’s passing. Duane was part of the “car pool” from Eudora to Emporia during our college days. He was usually very quiet but we enjoyed his company. We have enjoyed his films on the Eudora Historical site! Your family will have to support each other during this difficult time. Sending prayers for comfort
Linda and I were sad to hear of Duane’s passing. We know his loss will leave a void in the family and the Eudora community. Our thoughts are with the family as you go through this very difficult time.
I am sure sad to hear of Duane’s passing. I know he will be missed. Sending love and wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.