Duane Albert Box

DUANE ALBERT BOX

1934 - 2017

Obituary

On Tuesday (Jan. 3, 2017), Duane Albert Box, 82, left his life here on earth to walk eternally with Jesus.

Duane was born in Newton on Aug. 13, 1934, to Henry Garvin and Pearl May (Fisher) Box. Preceding Duane in death were his parents; two sisters, Cleeta Box and Margaret Fraser; and two brothers, Robert and William Wesley Box.

Duane was passionate about many things, but he was most proud of his ever growing family. He carried many titles in his family: husband, dad, daddy, Pa-Pa, grandpa, grandpa box, GPa, great-grandpa and father-in-law, all of which he wore proudly.

Duane's love of family began on June 6, 1954, when he married his lovely bride of nearly 63 years, Judith Coleen Pulaski. She survives at their lifelong home. From this marriage came four beautiful daughters, Cindy (John) Phillips, Debbie (Larry) Morse, Vicky (Randy) Siebert and Joni (Gene) Krueger. He was proud of his seven wonderful grandchildren, Matthew (Katie) Phillips, Leslie Ann Phillips, Brandon Morse, Erin (Jason) Higgins, Kyle (Rachel) Krueger, Abby (Kaleb) Spunaugle and Annie Siebert, but the sparkle in his eye came from seven extra-special great-grandchildren, Karson Phillips, Karli Phillips, Wyatt Harvey, Vincent Higgins, Zoie Higgins, Hadley Spunaugle and Carter Lara.

Duane attended Newton High School, where he graduated in 1953. Duane served his country with a tour of duty that found him in Darmstadt - Eberstadt Germany. Upon his return home and discharge from the Army, Duane began working for The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (AT&SF). Later, he returned to school and became a certified heating and air conditioning technician. With this education, Duane and Judy worked as a team at Box Air Conditioning while he continued work with the railroad.

After a 42-year career with the AT&SF, Duane began retirement to enjoy his many other interests and hobbies, but he always maintained a love for trains. His locomotive passion and enthusiasm were always evident when he would demonstrate his N-gauge train set to other enthusiasts, as well as the younger train lovers. In addition to his love for trains, Duane enjoyed annual winter camping trips to south Texas with wife Judy and other members of various camping groups.

He also enjoyed working with flowers. Many will recall his basement full of African Violets. The space dedicated for the violets eventually gave way to his tropical fish and Betas. He also enjoyed small reptiles, particularly his little chameleon buddy, Kiwi. Duane liked to work on watches and could talk for hours about watches and precision timepieces. Most of all, Duane enjoyed people.

He loved sharing a Diet Coke, or a good cup of coffee, with family and friends. When camping with Duane, it was not uncommon to find him three campsites away talking with someone new as if they were lifelong friends. From a subtle wave to a big hello, or a warm handshake, to a simple tip of his cap so his daughter could kiss him on top of his head, Duane had a greeting for everyone.

The community of Newton has lost an iconic member. The vision of Duane Box walking along the streets of Newton, through downtown and along the bike path, in his blue coveralls and straw hat, are now simply a fond and pleasant memory. The friendly hellos at his regular stops will resonate no more. Duane, husband, dad, daddy, Pa-Pa, grandpa, grandpa Box, GPa, great-grandpa, father-in-law and friend, you will be missed. God be with you.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 10, 2016) at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bill Hickerson Presiding. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday (Jan. 9, 2016) at Petersen Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Private family burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Caring Hands Humane Society, in Care of Petersen Funeral Home.