Duane D. Reilly Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Duane Darrel Reilly, 87, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 4:55 a.m., Saturday, September 5th, 2015 at Brookdale McPherson. Duane was born April 23, 1928 on the farm in Northeastern Dickinson County. He was the third of four children born to Thomas and Ethel (Bass) Reilly; Harold, Marvin, Duane and Marjorie. Duane attended Industry Grade School through 8th grade and then Chapman High School. He completed the 10th grade and willingly left school to farm with his Dad and uncles while Harold and Marvin were called to serve in World War II. Duane and Lois Mary Espenshade were united in marriage at the Methodist Church in Abilene, Kansas on March 7, 1952. They made their home on the family farm North East of Abilene. Stephen Duane was born on February 4, 1953 and much to Steve’s chagrin, Debra Dawn arrived on July 30, 1958. Duane was immensely proud of the Reilly homesteaded farm and made his wishes strongly known that his father and he wanted the farm kept in the family and not sold. He raised cattle, pigs for awhile, planted and harvested wheat, corn, milo, soybeans and alfalfa to name a few. For many years, Duane farmed in partnership with his brother, Marvin. He admired Marvin greatly and they were good friends as well as brothers. He missed him immensely after he passed away in July, 2001. Duane was not fond of dressing up or social events however he loved to “visit” with people........ at the corner gas station, Shouse’s John Deere Implement, the ASC office or wherever he could “bend an ear”. In his last years, he continued to bring joy to the wonderful people who provided his care at Heartland Haven Senior Living and Brookdale with his stories and wit. He did love to talk!! Duane and Lois were devastated by the loss of their son and future farmer, Steve, on December 24, 1969. Life on the farm was never the same. Duane always had a dog as his faithful friend and travel buddy; Link, Link Jr. (both dauchsand mixes), Wally and finally, Blossom, who is 14 1/2 years old and retired in McPherson in 2010 to provide love to Chad and Deb. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Steve, and his brothers, Harold and Marvin Reilly. Duane is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lois, daughter Deb (Chad) Clark, her children; James, Kristie and Sam and her added children Dan (DeShell) and Joe Clark, great grandchildren, Aidan, Haley and Evan Clark, sister, Marjorie (Clayton) Coulson and many nieces and nephews. There will be a private graveside burial service at Abilene Cemetery prior to a memorial service on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. at the Glidden-Ediger Chapel in McPherson, Kansas with Reverend H. Dick Reynolds, Jr. officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Reilly Family Memorial Fund for future agriculture scholarships are requested and they can be sent in care of the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460. We pray that God will enlist Duane’s help on the farmland in Heaven.

Duane D. Reilly

September 5, 2015

Obituary & Service

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Duane D. Reilly

September 5, 2015

Obituary & Service

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