Obituary of Duane Charles

Send Flowers Duane Andrew Charles January 1, 1930 - June 8, 2010 Duane Andrew Charles was born January 1, 1930 to Esther and Cecil Charles of Flagler, Colorado. He spent his childhood on the family farm north of Flagler with his siblings Josephine, Irene, Merle Dean, Delmar, and Joyce. He attended White Plains Country School through eighth grade. He completed his high school education at Flagler High School where he graduated in 1947. While in high school, Duane earned his room and board by working for Mrs. Wright at the theatre and roller rink. While running the rink he became an accomplished skater. He and his future wife, Loretta shared many happy times skating together. After a brief stint in the Navy he moved to Wichita, Kansas where he worked as a mechanic and truck driver. He returned to the family farm in 1950. He soon met the love of his life, Loretta Loutzenhiser. They were united in marriage on Duane's 24th birthday, January 1, 1954. The Lord blessed this union with three children: Debbie, Roberta, and Allen. The Charles family made their home just east of his parent's home where they have remained for over fifty years. Duane and his family operated a farm, ranch, and dairy. He took great pride in his dairy and the herd which he called by name. He served on the board of the Mountain Empire Dairyman's Association. He was recognized with an award by the association for fifteen straight years of excellent quality milk production. Family was the greatest joy in Duane's life. He enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, and golfing with his family. FFA, sports, and other school activities were at the top of his list when his grandkids were involved. A man of very strong faith, Duane accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior as a teen. He was baptized in a cement horse tank at the Alfonzo Dine place. He was a member of the Sunnydale Evangelical Free Church north of Flagler. In his adult life he attended both Sunnydale and most recently the First Baptist Church of Flagler. Duane went home to be with the Lord June 8, 2010 surrounded by his loved ones in his home. He was preceded in death by his parents Esther and Cecil, his sister Josephine Fager and her husband Virgil, his brother Delmar Charles, his sister-in-law Peggy Charles, his brother-in-law Bob Travis, and granddaughter Kimberly Benson. He is survived by his loving wife Loretta; children Debbie Diekman and husband Rod, Roberta Stratton and husband Carlin, Allen Charles and wife Lora; siblings Irene Travis, Merle Dean Charles, and Joyce Saffer and her husband Glen; grandchildren Stephen Benson, Lisa Shryock and husband Shawn, Liz Miller, Frank Stratton, Zachary Stratton, Christina Stratton, Weston Charles, Lyndee Charles, and Olivia Charles; great-grand children Taylor Shryock, Tatiana Shryock and Landon Charles; and many more loved ones. Facts Born: January 1, 1930 Place of Birth: North of Flagler, Colorado Death: June 8, 2010 Place of Death: Flagler, Colorado Occupation: Farmer/Rancher