Duane Lawrence Kinkade was born October 31, 1955 in Des Moines, Iowa. He is survived by his wife of nearly 41 years, Dottie Mintz Kinkade, his son Derek and his wife Taylor, and Duane’s two grandsons, whom he loved with all his heart, Jackson who is 4 and Carter who is 1 ½. Duane is also survived by his father and mother-in-law Raymond and Reba Mintz, his brothers: Ronald Bates (wife Judy), Ricky Bates (wife Rhonda), and Donny Ray Bates. Duane was preceded in death by his father Robert Kinkade, mother Gaynell Kinkade, and brothers Buddy Mitchell and Les Kinkade.
Duane was a polio survivor from the age of 2 ½ and shortly after the diagnosis he was told he would never walk again, but that wasn’t going to be an option for him. He rose to the challenge and was able to go on to live a mostly normal life, even with the struggles that came with being a survivor of such a debilitating disease. It earned him the nickname ‘Hoppy’ among his friends, one that he carried with pride through his life.
He loved people and always had a soft spot in his heart for anyone that struggled. He worked several years with the Department of Youth Services, work he truly enjoyed. After that, Duane started his own security service with his beloved dog “King”. Duane loved police work and held several positions in the Gadsden area.
Duane’s wife Dottie, and his son Derek were his real joy in life. He was so very proud of all Derek’s accomplishments in the field of meteorology. Dottie, his constant companion, took excellent care of him when he lost his ability to walk, and Duane loved her fiercely.
When Derek was growing up, you could find Duane right there with him at the ball field, helping coach the team in little league baseball. He never missed a practice or game. Duane and Dottie loved traveling with their precious friends all over the state with Derek’s bowling team as well. As parents, the two of them were always in the stands cheering on Derek’s accomplishments.
Once they became “empty nesters” a little weenie dog named “KoKo” entered their lives, and Duane treated that dachshund like a son. “KoKo” never wanted for anything and quickly became the king of the castle.
Duane had a wonderful personality – he was not shy at all, and he was very opinionated. He had a passion for discussing politics. He also loved to sing and play his guitar, a talent many loved ones have fond memories of. Duane was an expert pool-player, playing in and winning many tournaments across the area. That also happened to be how he first met Dottie – in the pool hall at Gadsden State!
The last few years of Duane’s life were really tough for him, as the side effects of post-polio syndrome took over. He lost his mobility and was confined to a wheelchair in order to move about. Despite this hardship, he maintained a positive attitude, and found joy in the little things like watching old Westerns, and FaceTiming his young grandsons.
To remember Duane Kinkade is to remember a man who could bring a smile to your face and a man who brought joy into the room. We couldn’t have asked for a better brother, husband, father, grand-father, or friend. He will truly be missed by all that knew him.
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