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 rooted in faith, love, God, and devotion to their family. 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.

Duane’s greatest priority was his family. He loved raising his children and being involved in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports. He was their biggest fan and could often be found at practices and games cheering them on. 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 cherished the acquaintances and friends he met while conducting and attending auctions.

The county fair was one of his favorite weeks of the year. 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. When accepting the award, he said, "Thank you for the honor. I sure miss the 4-H kids and the auctions."

Duane was always up for a good card game. He shared his love of playing cards with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family gatherings included gathering around the dining room table for a very competitive, entertaining, and fun card game. Learning how to play cards was a requirement for his daughter-in-law and sons-in-law. He cherished visiting and playing cards, whether it was at a couple’s card party, with family, or gathered around the Senior Center table.

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; six 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.

His family will remember him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, farmer, auctioneer, and friend.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Norton Christian Church. Burial with military honors will follow in the Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026, at the funeral home.

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