Duane Frank Kays of Ozark, MO passed away peacefully on December 19, 2022 after a long battle with cancer at the age of 85. He was born on May 1, 1937 to Alma Pauline (Carter) and Joseph Frank Kays in Richland, MO. His birth was significant because Prairie Creek near his parents’ home was flooded, blocking the road when Pauline went into labor. The doctor was called to the house but arrived at the edge of the flooded creek in a horse-drawn carriage and had to leave his carriage behind, crossing the creek on a precarious one man foot bridge, and finally riding in another wagon to the house to help deliver the Kays’ first-born son.

Duane attended the Prairie Creek School and graduated from Richland High School in 1955. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education from Southwest Missouri State College in 1961. In college he was a member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity, an expert marksman on the SMS ROTC Rifle Team, and initiated into Gold Bar, the Honorary Military Fraternity. Some of Duane’s best memories were when he traveled to Idaho to fight wildfires during his summers off to pay his way through college. He prided himself on his canoe skills and fishing prowess, sometimes talking to the fish coaxing them to bite. His love of nature, wildlife, and the environment continued throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed gardening and loved his backyard birds. Duane meticulously saved tomato seeds which would become heirloom seeds for his children’s gardens. He would not turn down a beer or a good bourbon if offered in friendship.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Pauline, and brother Jimmie Kays.

Duane is survived by two brothers and their wives, Michael P. and Connie Kays of Conway, MO and Dwight and Robin Kays of Lampe, MO, two sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Jeannie Kays of Palm Springs, CA and Tim and Tracy Kays of Vancouver, WA. He is the proudest Granddad to Cole and Jack Kays. He was uncle and cousin to a host of relatives.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Hazelgreen Cemetery, Richland, MO. Flowers or remembrances can be sent to 3506 N National Ave, Springfield, MO 65803

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