LIBERTY, Mo. — Duane Reed Witt was born on Dec. 26, 1930 in Red Willow County, Neb. to Milton and Gladys (White) Witt. He passed away on June 20, 2023 at the age of 92 years.
He grew up on the family farm where he attended country school and later attended Decatur Community High School in Oberlin, and graduated in 1948. Duane then attended the University of Kansas. On returning home from college, Duane worked on the family farm until his marriage to Carol (Wenger) Witt on Aug. 2, 1950. They began their married life together on the family farm. This was disrupted for two years while Duane served in the Army at Camp Chaffee, Ft. Smith, Ark. Duane was always very proud of his service and very patriotic to his country.
Besides farming, Duane also was a commodities broker and a grain elevator manager. He served on many committees, was an active member of the Lutheran church, Masonic Lodge, and Isis Shrine. After retiring, Duane enjoyed gardening, cooking, leather crafting, weaving, was an avid reader and embraced technology.
In 2007 after living his entire life in the Oberlin area, Duane and Carol moved to Great Bend, Kan. They made many friends there and enjoyed coffee at McDonald’s and their church. Then in 2021, Duane moved to Liberty, Mo. While living in Liberty, Duane was active in his church and enjoyed many activities with his friends.
Preceding Duane in death were his wife; his parents; and his siblings, Dorothy, Agnes, and Waldean. He is survived by his children, Luan Taylor, Prairie Village, Kan.; Mary Jo (Greg) Lohoefener, Kansas City, Mo.; and Mark (Tammy) Witt, Kearney, Neb.; six grandchildren, Ryan (Whitney) Taylor, Aaron (Nicole) Taylor, Leigh Ann (Clint) Johnson; Adam (Jeni) Lohoefener, Alec (Ngoca) Witt and Laura (KC) Witt; 10 great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and seven step great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2800 N. Church Road, Liberty, MO. 64068 or donor’s choice. Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Oberlin, Kan. cemetery.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 24, 2023
