Duane Grant Deatz, the son of Merrill Grant and Helen Nora (Fischer) Deatz, was born October 12, 1928, in Rock Port, Missouri.  He attended several country schools and Rock Port High School, graduating in 1947.  Following graduation, Duane farmed with his dad on the Rupe Farm.
On February 1, 1951, Duane entered the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He received his honorable discharge on November 1, 1952.
On June 30, 1950, Duane was united in marriage to Barbara Colleen Smith at the Rock Port Christian Church.  They became the parents of five children, Michael, Ron, Dan, Larry and Becky and made their home on the farm.
In 1988, they moved into Rock Port where Duane was employed with Rock Port Oil until 2000, when ill health forced his retirement.
Duane was a member of the English Grove Presbyterian Church and the First Presbyterian Church in Fairfax.  He served on the Session and as an Elder.  Duane was a board member of English Grove Cemetery.
Family was most important to Duane and he enjoyed spending time with friends and neighbors as well.  He excelled in all sporting activities in high school and more recently, enjoyed watching baseball and football.  Duane passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at Tiffany Heights Care Center, Mound City, Missouri, at the age of 88.
In addition to his parents, Duane was preceded in death by two grandsons, Eric Curtis Deatz and Christopher Alan Deatz; sister, Shirley (Donald) Adams; and infant brother, Curtis.  Survivors include wife, Barbara Deatz, Mound City; children, Michael Deatz, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Ron Deatz and wife, Kay, Rock Port, Dan Deatz and wife, Robin, LaVista, Nebraska, Larry Deatz, Rock Port, and Becky Livengood and husband, Doug, Mound City, Missouri; eight grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 12, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church, Fairfax, Missouri, conducted by Rev. Elaine Loggi.  Interment followed in English Grove Cemetery, Fairfax.  Military rites were under the auspices of  Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port.
Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church or English Grove Cemetery.
Online obituaries and condolences at www.minterfuneralchapels.com ~ Services under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.