Duane Bruce Smith

Funeral services for Duane Bruce Smith, 79, Eudora, KS, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 3, 2025, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Eudora.  A burial will follow at the Eudora City Cemetery.  The family will greet friends from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Eudora.

Duane was born on January 30, 1945, in Gardner, KS, the son of James Bruce and Eunice Alvera (Johnson) Smith. Duane devoted his life to his Lord & Savior, his family, his love of education and local sports, and serving the Eudora community in various capacities: former Vice President of the Eudora Board of Education, former board member of Eudora Area Historical Society, current treasurer and board member of Eudora Youth Service Organization, which includes the local Boy Scouts. Duane held this role as treasurer starting in 1990 and continued these duties until his death. He enjoyed being a part of providing growth opportunities for local youth over the years.

Duane retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas in 2008 as a Senior Programmer and Analyst, after working there for 25 years. Prior to that position he was a Computer Programmer and Analyst at Kansas University. His love for computer programming came after his time in the United States Air Force, where he served as Weather Officer. He held a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mathematics from the College of Emporia; a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Meteorology from the University of Utah, and he also studied Nuclear Engineering at Kansas State University, as well as Computer Science.

Duane is a Eudora High School graduate from the class of 1963. After traveling the world with the Air Force, he resided in Eudora – his hometown that he has always loved.

Duane loved hosting family gatherings, often referred to as the “Smith Family Card Parties”. He was always full of laughs, smiles and mischief, which has been passed on from his parents, and passed down through the generations.

Duane is survived by his siblings, Darrel (Kathy) Smith, Doug (Pam) Smith, Dennis Smith, Deb Smith, 12 nieces, 13 nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. While Duane never married or had any kids of his own, he was devoted to 7 of his great nieces and nephews that have called him “Grandpa” for years.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, as well as by his brother, David Smith.

The family suggests memorials in Duane’s name to Eudora Boy Scouts or Eudora Area Historical Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13 ^th St. Lawrence, KS  66044.