Duane L. Channell

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." - A.A. Milne
Duane L. Channell of Wichita, KS died November 11, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center surrounded by his
son, daughter and oldest grandson.
Duane loved his family, anything to do with basketball, trips to the Channell family cabin, going to the
casino and a good meal.
Duane was born in Menlo, KS to Bruce and Florence (Duffey) Channell. He was the 2nd of five boys.
Duane graduated from Goodland High School in 1956. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in
Physical Education in 1960 at Fort Hays State, later returning for a Masters in Administration and
Physical Education.
From childhood, Duane's first love was basketball. As a senior at Goodland High School, his team went
to the state tournament. He attended college at Dodge City Community College and Fort Hays State
University on basketball scholarships. While at Fort Hays State his team went to the NAIA in 1958 and
finished 4 th in 1959.
After college, Duane taught and coached multiple sports at Plains High School, Kinsley High School, Fort
Hays State University and Garden City Community College. He touched many lives and maintained
contact with several of his colleagues and athletes that he coached over the years.
In 1977 he entered into his years as an administrator where he had multiple roles at Abe Hubert Junior
High School, Garden City Senior High School, Satana High School, St. John High School and Fairfield High
School where he continued to impact lives with his generous spirit and heart for helping others reach
their goals and overcome adversity.
In 1996, Duane retired to be a fulltime grandpa to his 3 oldest grandsons.
Duane's children, Staci and Darren, were his pride and joy. He was a single dad that encouraged his
children to be adventurous but to also enjoy just spending time with each other. As a single father, he
was able to rely on his extended family for support and showed his children how important family is to a
full life.
His final years were spent at Holiday Grasslands Estate where he met several friends and enjoyed
playing cards, field trips to local restaurants and casino excursions with his newly found friends.
Preceding Duane in death were his parents, Bruce and Florence and his youngest brother, Albert.
He is survived by his brothers, Richard, John and Bob; his daughter, Staci (Greg) Davis; Darren (Brittany)
Channell; grandsons Nathan (Kaylee), Shane, Travis, Logan and Drake; granddaughters Sterling, Cassidy
and Riley (Landon); great granddaughter Evelyn and great grandson Isaac.
At Duane's wishes, there will be no services at this time. Duane's children, their spouses, grandchildren
and extended family will be celebrating his life at the Channell family cabin in the summer of 2025. The
place where he was the happiest and had the most amazing adventures with his family.