ELLINWOOD — Duane G. Schwab “Schwabie”, 90, passed away at Hospice House in Hutchinson, Kan. on April 15th surrounded by loved ones. Born on April 1st, 1933 in Lacrosse, Kan. he was the son of Henry and Helen (Black) Schwab. Duane grew up in Lacrosse graduating from high school in 1952 where he excelled in athletics receiving many offers to further his sports career. He decided to serve in the U.S. Navy instead. After his time in the service, Duane married Thelma Stanley; he then moved his family to Wyoming. During their time there, Duane worked in the oilfield around the towns of Casper and Bairoil. Thelma passed away in 1967 and in 1970 the Schwab family moved to Ellinwood where Duane was blessed to operator his oilfield business, Schwab’s Tinker Shop, Inc alongside his son John. Their operation spanned multiple states and countries. Duane was a true craftsman; together he and son John invented and engineered a handful of devices to be used throughout the oilfield. Duane married Kathleen M. Komarek in 1991 at the home of his son in Liberal, Kan. Duane also owned Schwabie’s Place, the restaurant that later became John Henry’s. Schwabie’s passion was collecting and working on Model T and A cars. He was a member of auto clubs in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. Duane also loved to fish and spent lots of time at Kanopolis Lake with his betterhalf, Kathy.

Survivors include wife, Kathleen M. Schwab, Ellinwood, Kan.; son, John and wife Amanda, Liberal, Kan.; grandchildren, Nique (Todd) Brown, Whitney (David) Hampton, Dallas Schwab (companion Stacie), Johnette (Dustin) Johnson, Kendra Bozarth; and 16 beloved great-grandchildren. Duane was preceded in death by his first wife, Thelma; brothers, Claude and Glenn; and sisters Georgia and Dorothy. 

Funeral Service will take place Thursday, April 20th 10:30 a.m. at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood with Pastor Todd Brown officiating. Military honors will follow the service at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, Kan. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 19th from 11-7 p.m. with family present from 5-7 at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to Special Olympics (Kansas) or LADA Paws rescue in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel

PO Box 246 

Ellinwood, KS. 67526 

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 18, 2023