Duane L. Stites, 86, of Silver Lake, passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2016.

He was born May 10, 1930, in Miltonvale, Kansas, the son of George and Helen (Walker) Stites. He graduated from Miltonvale High School and served in the United States Army during the Korean War with the 18th Airborne Corps. He was retired from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

He was a member of Local 307 United Rubber Workers of America, American Legion Post No. 160 in Silver Lake and Silver Lake United Methodist Church.

Duane married Relda M. Smith on April 17, 1954 in Miltonvale, KS. She preceded him in death on August 30, 2005. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Glenda Kalcik and a sister, Letha Foster.

Survivors include two daughters: Deborah (Palmer) Morton, Topeka and Penny Freeman, Olathe; seven grandchildren: Tanner (Raegan) Morton and their children, Brecken and Brinkley, Overland Park, KS; Conner Morton and his daughter, Leah, Topeka; Travis (Nanette) Kalcik and their daughter, Adaline, Goddard; Mallory (Joe) Gardner and their son, Colton, Topeka; Cooper, Carson and Chase Freeman, all of Olathe; one sister, Cheryl (Jerome) Register, Florence, SC; son-in-law, Russell Kalcik, St. George and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Duane loved first and foremost his family, many friends, country music, Kansas State University and the Silver Lake Eagles.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 22, 2016 at Silver Lake United Methodist Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Silver Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Silver Lake High School Weight Room, 200 Rice Rd, Silver Lake, KS 66539 or Silver Lake Public Library, 203 Railroad Street, Silver Lake, Kansas 66539.

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