Duane Beckley

Duane L. Beckley, 93, of Colby, died Friday, November 10, 2017, at Citizens Medical Center. He was born April 2, 1924, in Scott City, KS, to Chet and Mary (Pearson) Beckley. Duane attended a country school from first to eighth grade, and graduated from Scott City High School. He then attended college at the University of Kansas and West Point. He served in the United States Navy from 1942-1945 and then was in the Reserves for several years. On June 5, 1945, he married Betty Hurst. Duane was a crop duster, farmer, rancher and custom cutter. He worked with the United Methodist Church youth group, in Atwood, was a member of the Berean Church in Colby, and was a member of the American Legion.

Duane was preceded in death by his father Chet Beckley, his mother Mary Beckley-Bystrom, his step-father Dick Bystrom, his son Lance Beckley, his brother Jesse Beckley, and grandchildren Cheri and Bart Brown.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty Beckley, of Colby; six children, Cynthia (Mike) Ellingson of Sherwood ND, Percilla (Dwight) Brown of Vernon CO, Gwen (Richard) Jones of Colby, Steve (Robin) Beckley of Atwood, Chet (Jody) Beckley of Colby, and Michele (Ron) Magar of Norman OK; two sisters; 18 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation is 2-5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Service is 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 13, 2017 at the Colby Berean Church. Private family burial will take place. Memorials are suggested to the Berean Church for missions or Heartland Christian School in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com