Duane Davis

Charles Duane Davis, 70, of Topeka, died on Friday, November 9, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on May 29, 1942 at Wetmore, KS, the son of Freeman and Emma (Claycamp) Davis. Duane grew up on the family farm by Wetmore until his mid-teens when they moved to Topeka. He graduated from Highland Park High School and attended Kansas State and Emporia State Universities. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 8 years as a medic. Duane was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at the Lutheran Church in Netawaka, KS, and was a long-time member of Christ Lutheran in Topeka. He served on the Topeka Lutheran School board for 16 years. Duane married Mary Ann Hinkeldey on January 27, 1967. Their marriage was blessed with 4 children and their families: Elizabeth Herring of Topeka, Angela (Eric) Jeppesen of Shawnee, Ks, Rachel (Harold) Shamblin of Virginia Beach, VA, and Nathan (Becky) Davis of Topeka, and ten grandchildren: Dalton and Hannah North; Owen, Halden and Gabel Jeppesen; Megan, Christian, Lindsy and Jonathan Davis and Harold Shamblin IV. Other survivors include his brother Dexter (Rita) Davis, sister Ronda Ohlde, sister-in-law Judy Hinkeldey and many nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law. Duane founded and owned Davis Fence Co. and was an active member of the International Fence Industry Assoc. After selling the fence company, he started Davis used cars and did small engine repairs. He enjoyed raising and riding horses and was a member of the American Quarter Horse Assoc. Duane was a loving father and family man. He enjoyed his friends, good food and a good laugh. He lived is life out loud and shared his own brand of good humor and love of God and mankind with everyone. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Topeka, Ks., where the family will receive friends before and after the service. Private inurnment will take place in Wetmore Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to be given to Christ Lutheran Church, 3509 SW Burlingame Rd., Topeka, KS 66611 or to the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66608. Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel is assisting the family. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. Charles Duane Davis