IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Duane Davis Sr.

A private family burial will take place in the spring at Sunnyslope Cemetery, Council Grove, for Duane Richard Davis Sr., 74, Peabody, who passed away Feb. 9, 2025, at his home after a four-year battle with colon cancer.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at Gracepoint Church, 802 Vine St., Peabody. Duane’s family requests casual dress. Lunch will be served to all after the visitation.

Duane was born April 18, 1950, in Emporia to Charlie and Lucille (Tapprich) Davis. Upon passing, he was a member of Gracepoint Church in Peabody.

Duane spent 23½ years combined service in the U.S. Army and National Guard before retiring in 1991 as a sergeant first class.

He also spent 15 years in law enforcement, working for the Council Grove police department, Morris County sheriff’s office, and Peabody police department.

Duane married Shirley Kasper on May 2, 1998, in Peabody, where they lived together until his passing.

He enjoyed spending time with his wife, kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, siblings, and a host of friends. You could find him enjoying many of these visits at Pop’s Diner in Peabody.

Duane knew no stranger and was a friend to many. If you had the honor or privilege of meeting him, you knew he was a special friend to many and a wonderful son, husband, dad, brother, grandpa, great grandpa, and uncle. To those closest to him, he was a hero.

Duane was an avid fan of football. Anytime you visited him, he would be watching football, whether it be live or a dreaded replay of a five-year-old game.

He was a diehard fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Georgia Bulldogs. He was so looking forward to seeing the Chiefs win another Super Bowl; however, he was called home just a few hours before kickoff.

His family gathered to watch the big game in his honor and to share memories, as he was watching from the best seats of all — box seats in Heaven.

He had special friends who reached out to him often and offered their love and friendship.

A few of those special ones are Pastor Rick Rehmert, Gilbert Loewen, Steve Morse, and Colton Gossen.

Duane is survived by his wife, Shirley Davis, of Peabody; daughters Karen Larsen (and husband Larry) of Peabody, Kim Sample (and husband Darin) of Alta Vista, and Terri Evans (and husband Brad) of Brighton, Michigan; and sons Duane R. Davis Jr. (and wife Kathleen) of Statesboro, Georgia, and Travis Davis (and wife Misti) of Holton.

Other survivors include grandchildren Lucas Kiefer (and wife Alanis), Brianna (and husband Triston), Tyson (and wife Katie), Austin, Todd (and wife Breanna), Katelyn (and husband Christian), Rebekah, Lexi (and husband Colton), T.J. Eryn, Matt, Wyatt, Elizabeth, Anthony, and Xavier.

Also surviving are great-grandchildren Kaydan, Nevaeh, Kamden, Adalynne, Logyn, Rhett, Holden, Carsyn, and Ellie; siblings Wanda LeMay (and husband Jerry), Terry Davis (and wife Karen), Becky Chase (and husband Brian), all of Council Grove, and Laverne Hawkins of Emporia; brother-in-law Jack Kasper (and wife Martha) of Newton; and many nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Brenda Kay Davis, Arlene White, Mayetta Warneke, Naomi Clopton, and Betty Helton; brothers Jim Davis, Charlie Davis, and Art Davis; grandson Elijah; mother-in-law and father-in-law Adena and Paul Kasper; sister-in-law Beverly Keyser; and brothers-in-law Pat Brannon and Andy Helton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gracepoint Church in care of Pastor Rick Rehmert.

Please sign Duane’s online guestbook and leave a memory of him at www.yazelmeglifh.com.