Dr. Duane L. Scott, M.D.

Dr. Duane L. Scott, age 90, of Belleville, Kansas, passed away peacefully at Cedarhurst Assisted Living in Lawrence, Kansas, on July 2, 2025. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, companion, and physician, Duane dedicated his life to healing and fostering meaningful relationships with all those who had the honor of knowing him. His compassion, humility, and gentle spirit shaped a lifetime of service and love.

Born on a rural dairy farm near Hill City, Kansas, Duane was the son of Floyd and Gladys Scott. He grew up alongside his siblings—Raymond, Ralph, Lloyd, Vera Riedel, and Donna Clarke—and carried his strong rural values with him throughout life. He graduated high school as class president and valedictorian before enrolling at Fort Hays State University where he was a member of the prestigious 7th Cavalry Honor Society. His studies were briefly interrupted by Bulbar Polio, but he persevered and completed his medical education at the University of Kansas in 1960.

Duane met Marjo A. Hodgson, a KU student nurse from Columbus, Kansas; they married on August 29, 1959. Duane and Marjo moved to Belleville in 1961, where they raised their four children: Todd, Lori, Cheri, and Brent. Duane practiced family medicine at the Belleville Medical Clinic. He also earned a certification to the American Society of Abdominal Surgeons in 1979 and was proud to have delivered multi-generations of babies within the community. Known for his calm and compassionate bedside manner, he was a dedicated mentor to countless medical students, young physicians, and other healthcare providers including four grandchildren. After practicing for over 4 decades, he retired in 2001 so he could spend more time with his family.

Though medicine was his life's calling, Duane also found peace and joy on the family farms where he loved spending time pheasant hunting with Grandpa Tom, riding the 4-wheeler, spraying thistles, and burning CRP. Harvest season with Brent and the crew was a treasured time, and combine rides with a good harvest meal always brought a smile. An avid outdoorsman, Duane enjoyed bow hunting—harvesting deer, elk, bear, and even a bobcat—all with what he proudly called his “stick and string.” He fondly referred to himself as the Great White Hunter. He found relaxation in wetting a line in his ponds with family and friends. He loved sharing stories over homemade ice cream, cooking his famous deer chili, and entertaining at “Happy Hour” especially at poolside.

Duane and Marjo spent retirement winters in Texas near Cheri and her family. Casino stops were a favorite detour—though he preferred watching others gamble rather than losing his own money. In 1984, he became a licensed pilot and began flying his Cessna Skyhawk, which inspired Lori to pursue her own pilot’s license, leading to many amazing stories they could share.

Following Marjo’s passing in 2009, Duane remained in their beloved iconic home which was converted from the Patterson Memorial Hospital by his longtime mentor and friend Dr. Beiderwell. He found joy tending to his knockout roses (often shirtless), maintaining the pool, and hosting cherished family gatherings.

Later in life, Duane found companionship with Carol Ball of Lawrence, Kansas. Together they shared a love for KU basketball, Chiefs games, road trips, and, of course, a few more stops at the casino. They commuted between their respective homes in Belleville and Lawrence for over 14 years. Carol was a devoted and loving partner to Duane and an important part of his family and joy in his later years.

He was a man guided by faith, proudly serving on the board of St. Edward’s Catholic Church, and continually seeking to serve others throughout his life.

Dr. Scott is preceded in death by his wife Marjo, and brothers Raymond,  Ralph, and Lloyd. He is survived by his longtime partner, Carol Ball of Lawrence; his children: Todd Scott of Towanda, KS; Lori Kelley (Greg) of Independence, KS; Cheri Carter (Tim) of Dallas, TX; and Brent Scott (Rachelle) of Belleville, KS. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Bret Kelley (Sarah) and their sons Mayes and Maddux of Independence, KS; Brandon Kelley of Sheridan, WY; Ashley McCormack (Brad) and children Brayden, Blayne, Baylee, and Baylor of Paris, TX; Madison Winter (John) of Springdale, AR; and Kendra Lowell (Trevor) of Marysville, KS. He is also survived by his sisters Vera Riedel of Shawnee Mission, KS, and Donna Clarke of Hutchinson, KS.

Dr. Duane Scott’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and connection will remain deeply etched in the hearts of all who knew him. He leaves behind a remarkable example of service, love, and grace.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 9am – 4pm, at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville. Rosary / Vigil Services will held Thursday evening, at 6pm, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Belleville. The family will greet friends at the church, following the Rosary.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, July 11th, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Edward Catholic Church.

Memorials are requested to the NCK Healthcare Foundation, the Republic County Community Foundation, or St. Edward Catholic Church, and may be mailed to Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, PO Box 566, Belleville, Kansas, 66935.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting the Scott family with these arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com.