Duane Eber Dunning, 90, of Plainville, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville.
Duane was born on February 18, 1935, in Webster, Kansas, to Ray and Lula (Folsom) Dunning. He graduated from Webster High School with the Class of 1953. On November 6, 1954, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Jean Hunter, in Stockton, Kansas. Together they raised two children, Steve and Vicki, and built a life centered around faith, family, and community.
Duane began his working life in the oil fields before becoming the maintenance supervisor for USD 270, a position he held for ten years. He especially loved working around the students and was known for his kind and helpful nature. After his time with the school district, he continued helping others through his work with Reed’s Plumbing before eventually dedicating his time to caring for his beloved wife.
A devoted Christian, Duane was a longtime member of the Plainville United Methodist Church and also a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts that achieved Order of the Arrow. He believed deeply in service to others and spent his life forming close-knit “families” within the communities where he lived and worked.
As a son, brother, husband, father, and friend, Duane was a natural protector and source of strength. He embraced his role as the eldest sibling and continued to be a steady presence for his family throughout his life. With Marilyn, he built a joyful home where children and neighbors alike were always welcome. His playful spirit could be seen in spontaneous water fights, wrestling matches, and backyard foot races.
Duane had many passions—he loved to square dance, travel, hunt, fish, and ride motorcycles. Even into his 80s, he could be found taking long rides with his son and brothers. He was a talented woodworker, known especially for crafting grandfather clocks that became treasured family heirlooms. Among his proudest accomplishments was teaching all his grandchildren how to water ski and fish, creating cherished memories that will live on for generations. Duane will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, his joyful spirit, and the countless lives he touched with his generosity and love.
Duane is survived by his son, Steve (Cheryl) Dunning of Leawood, KS; daughter, Vicki (Gene) Gile of Hays, KS; brothers, Alan (Lila) Dunning of Chanute, KS, and Merl (Nita) Dunning of Stockton, KS; sister, Nola (Jerry) Bump of Hays, KS; sisters-in-law, Karen Dunning of Glade, KS, and Nancy Dunning of McFarland, KS; five grandchildren, Jessica (Zach) Plante, Jay (Kelly) Hrabe, Caroline (David) Clemmensen, Annie (Bobby) Pitts, and Hunter (Alana) Dunning; twelve great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marilyn; brothers David Dunning, Loren (Elaine) Dunning, and Lyle Dunning; and a grandchild, Devon Mick.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Plainville. Burial will be held at a later date at the Plainville City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Plainville.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Rooks County Cancer Society and the Plainville United Methodist Church and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com