Stewartsville……Duane Keith Constance, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2016. He was born June 27, 1925 in Pleasant Grove, a small community north of Stewartsville, Missouri. He graduated from Stewartsville, Missouri High School in 1943. He was a veteran that served in the united States Army during World War II serving in heavy weapons Company M of 108th infantry. After the war, he served in the Korean occupation in Pusan, Korea in the 6th Army. He then attended and graduated from Graceland College, Lamoni, Iowa in 1948.

In 1955, he became a Brucellosis Field Operator for the Federal government and in 1958 began a training program to become an administrative assistant for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was assigned to the Veterinary Services Division and later with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services in Lansing, Michigan: Atlanta, Georgia; Washington D.C; Topeka, KS; and Des Moines, IA. While in Des Moines, he also served as a chairman of the Boy Scout committee. He retired in 1987 as the administrative Officer for the North Central Region of Food, Safety and Inspection Service, Meat and Poultry Division.

He was a member of Stewartsville Community of Christ Church where he served as a High Priest and Evangelist. Ordained at 16, he served the church in many capacities and locations including Atlanta, Georgia; Springfield, Virginia; and Des Moines, Iowa. In his youth, he was President of the Far West Stake Zion’s League, a church school teacher and director, and a member of Des Moines Stake High Council.

He was an avid collector of anything and everything, especially, that of which had a second purpose. He loved to read and research, especially church books. He was a connoisseur off all things sweet. He enjoyed genealogy, growing tomatoes, being at his farm, gathering and processing walnuts. He was a handyman who was thorough in all that he did. He embodied the special gift of generosity and never hesitated to help someone in need. Most of all, Duane loved his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Bernice Lewis Constance, brother, Blair Constance and son, Mark Constance. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Twila Constance; two daughters, Sheryl (Darrel) Magee and Laurie (Dan) Pike: grandchildren, Heather Magee, Adam (Joan) Magee, Erin (Adam) Roberson, Benjamin (Agatha) Constance, Katherine (Josh) Burke, Kimberly Pike, Christopher Pike and 7 great-grandchildren.

In keeping with the wishes of Duane, there will be no services. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Far West mission Center for the Camp Farwesta Playground Fund in Duane name, please make checks to Community of Christ, 5124 Faraon St., St. Joseph, MO 64506.