Duane Harold Gray, 95 of Leawood, Kansas, passed away on October 4, 2021, surrounded by his family. Duane was born on October 17, 1925 in Martinsburg, Illinois to Fay and Guy Gray. He was the youngest of three children. Duane proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1941 until 1946 when he was honorably discharged. In 1965, Duane married his sweetheart, Mary Jean Winking. Together they raised their family in the Kansas City area. Duane retired in 1990 after a long career as a truck driver for Eastern Express and Roadway Express, a career that he was very proud of. Duane spent his retirement with the thing he loved most, his family.
Most would describe Duane as a man of honor, faith and humility. If you knew him, you loved him because of his sweet, but stubborn nature and his desire to make everyone feel important. His faith in Jesus Christ was evident and he instilled that faith in his entire family. His faith was unwavering and even in his final days, he trusted God’s plan. Duane really enjoyed golf, football and baseball. He was a dedicated and faithful Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals fan, even in the hard times. Duane also enjoyed sharing a good cup of coffee with loved ones, attending church, reading his bible, checking out the comics in the newspaper, and playing cards. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved family. While he is a very accomplished man, his proudest achievement was them. Duane and Jean created a life and home that was centered around family. Together, they had 9 children, 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. They loved their family more than anything. Duane’s legacy of love, service, faith, and hardwork will carry on in the lives of those who loved him so very much.
Duane is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jean. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Fay Gray, his brother Bud, his sister Nadine, his son Robert, and his daughter in-law Dianna. He is survived by his children, Diane and Terry Polk of Argyle, Texas; Gary Gray of Rochester, Illinois, Mark and Penny Winking of Branson, Missouri, Rick Winking of Mission, Kansas, Gina and Robert Mittlestadt of Peculiar Missouri, Kevin and Arlene Winking of Grand Prairie, Texas, Kathy and Chris Hooper of Harrisonville, Missouri, and Michele and Todd Hulsey of Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
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