Obituary: Duane Albert Box

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

Duane was born on Aug. 13, 1934, in Newton 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 AT&SF Railroad. Later, he returned to school and became a certified heating and air conditioning technician. With this education, Duane and Judy worked as a team in 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.

The community of Newton has lost an iconic member. The vision of Duane Box walking along the streets of Newton, through the downtown and along the bike path, in his blue coveralls and straw hat now are 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 was Jan. 10 at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel in Newton with Pastor Bill Hickerson presiding. Private family burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.

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

0 replies on “Obituary: Duane Albert Box”