Irvin Duane Miller, 81, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2019 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Duane was born January 12, 1938 in Fairport, Kansas.  He was one of two sons born to Irvin Fred and Ruby Pearl (Finch) Miller.  He grew up and attended schools in Fairport and Natoma, Kansas.  He graduated from Natoma High School.

Duane served his country in the U.S. Marines.  After his service was completed he returned to the Russell area.

Duane was united in marriage to Donnie Jean Martin on June 11, 1960 in Russell.  This union was blessed with three children; David, Dru and Micah. Duane and Donnie made their home in Topeka, Kansas where Duane worked in the transportation department of Santa Fe Railroad.  A few years later Duane and Donnie moved to Scranton, KS, where they built and operated a dairy farm and Duane became Mayor. After selling the Dairy Farm they moved to Arkansas City, Kansas for a brief time before moving to Owosso, Michigan, where Duane was involved in the Railroad once again.  A new job opportunity came up in Opelousas, Louisiana where Duane was the manager of transportation for Lou-Ana Foods Company for 20 years.  In 2002 Duane retired, the family moved to Russell and he began to farm as a hobby. In 2012, Duane formed Miller-Becker Enterprises, in which he was co-owner and operator.  Donnie preceded him in death on January 19, 2015. 

Duane attended the Bible Baptist Church in Russell.  He also enjoyed boating and fishing, coaching his children’s sporting activities and has been very active in his grandchildren’s lives.  He was a supporter of the Fine Arts when his grandchildren were involved. Making memories with his family was his greatest joy.

Duane’s surviving family include his daughter, Micah Becker (Ryan) of Russell, Kansas; daughter-in-law, Jenna Miller of Gorham, Kansas; 10 grandchildren, Riley, Reagan, Elijah and Silas Becker and Conner, Christian, Janessa, Malachi, Matthias and Jenson Miller.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donnie, sons David Miller and Dru Miller, and brother Ben Miller.

Celebration of Duane’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Burial will follow at the Fairport Cemetery where the Russell V.F.W. #6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday, November 22, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.   Memorials have been established with Bible Baptist Church and Russell Regional Hospital.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.