■ 1941 - 2026

Duane Richard McEwen, 84, of Norton, passed away on August 5, 2026, at the Andbe Home.

He was born August 16, 1941, in Rooks County, Kansas, to Samuel Arthur and Mildred Neva (Biery) McEwen.

Duane grew up in Norton County, attending school in Edmond until the high school closed in 1958. Duane and Darlene’s love story began when he transferred to Norton Community High School for his senior year. He then attended Fort Hays State University, where he played on the basketball team for one year. Duane returned to Norton to farm with his father in 1960.

Married on June 11, 1961, Duane and Darlene shared 65 years of marriage. The honeymoon was barely over when, as a member of the Kansas National Guard, he was called to federal active duty during the 1961 Cuban Missile Crisis. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

Never enough children in the home for Duane, the family hosted a foreign exchange student in 1995. She became like a daughter. While his children were young, he enjoyed coaching their softball and baseball teams during the summer.

Many of his greatest adventures involved caring for his cattle and goat herds. He continued to do so for as long as his health allowed. He gave careful attention to his crops from planting through harvest and always welcomed a good soaking rain. Auctions were a lifelong part of Duane's life. If McEwen Auction wasn't holding a sale on Saturday, he was likely attending another auction somewhere. As a self-taught auctioneer, he worked at multiple sale barns, and he always considered it an honor when asked to work as an auctioneer for other auction companies.

He enjoyed watching the livestock shows and serving as auctioneer for the livestock and food sales. In 2022, he received the Friend of 4-H Award.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene of the home; children: Carmen McEwen of Topeka, Dena (Anthony Frank) Duhn of Powell Butte, Ore., Dustin (Sunshine Sheldon) McEwen of Smith Center, Cara (Benjamin) Cramer of Healy, and Diana (Enrique) Joo Herran of Montreal, Quebec, Canada; nine grandchildren: Emili (Kenny) Erdman, Garret (Niki) Kasl, Elizabeth (Garrett) Blackburn, Rachel (Cody) Kirk, Shelby Duhn, Koby (Tyler) McEwen, Jaida McEwen, Cheyenne Cramer, and Spencer Cramer; 6 great grandchildren: Dilla Kasl, Jerlene Erdman, Landen Kasl, Kyzer Kasl, Kannon Kirk, Hadlee Kirk, and Hanna Joo; and sister, Virginia Kay Hayes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Delmon; brother, Julian Arthur (Carol Holmes) McEwen; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Hayes.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Norton Christian Church. Burial with military honors followed in the Norton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton Christian Church and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654.

Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber. com