Duane Lee DeWerff

Our beloved father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, Duane Lee Dewerff, age 87,
was peacefully welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on June 17, 2025.
Born on July 12, 1937, Duane was raised in Ellinwood, KS and graduated with the Ellinwood
Rural High School Class of 1955. He attended the University of Kansas as a member of the
Triangle Fraternity where he served as Battalion Commander in the Navy ROTC, graduating
with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree in 1959. Upon graduating, Duane dutifully
served in the US Navy (LTJG) aboard the USS Wilkenson (DL-5), ultimately transferring and
completing his service at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. There, he began a 33-year career
with Sandia National Labs and further earned a master’s degree from the University of New
Mexico before retiring in 1997.
Duane married Margery Carol Plumb in 1960, and together they raised two daughters, Cheryl
(Cheri) and Debra (Debi). In 1986, he married Charmaine Coughenour and welcomed her two
children, Kimberly and Douglas, into his heart and family. He and Charmaine were devoted
members of Faith Lutheran Church in Albuquerque and generously shared their faith and talents
to support their community. They further shared a passion for musical theater and both served
on the board of the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Association (ACLOA) where Duane also
served as President and occasionally enjoyed the opportunity to perform.
Deeply rooted in his Kansas heritage, Duane spent many years helping his parents work the
family farmland handed down over more than eight generations, and his sense of commitment
and care carried into all aspects of his life.
After retiring from Sandia Labs, Duane liked to be outside exercising his green thumb and
practicing his golf swing. For 22 years, Duane enjoyed part-time work marshaling at
Albuquerque’s municipal Arroyo del Oso Golf Course.
Duane will be remembered for his steadfastness, his love of the land, and his devotion to his
family and friends. He is survived by his daughters Cheri LaCounte (husband Chris) of Ruidoso,
NM; Deb Williams (husband Forrest) of Albuquerque; his stepchildren Kimberly Schwartz
(husband Bill) of La Quinta, CA and Douglas Coughenour (wife Jennifer) of Scottsdale, AZ; his
brother Glen DeWerff (wife Mary) of Kansas City, KS; sister Linda (husband Keith) of Scott City,
KS; his grandson Brendan (wife Meghan) and great-grandsons Isaac and Benjamin of Rio
Rancho, NM, who brought him deep joy and enormous pride in his later years. Duane is further
survived by treasured friend Jim Gosler—a man he considered a brother for much of his life.
Also surviving are many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children. Duane was preceded in
death by his cherished wife Charmaine as well as his parents, Harvey and Doris DeWerff, his
brother Lloyd, and many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A funeral service for Duane will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church,
Albuquerque, NM, Pastor Mark Behenna officiating. On Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. June
25, Duane will be laid to rest in Lakin Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, Kansas, beside his
parents, bringing him home to the land and community that shaped his life; family and friends
are lovingly welcome.

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