Pius Duane Waldman

Pius (Charles) Duane Waldman, 93, of Oklahoma City, OK passed away on the morning of August 18, 2024. Born on September 30, 1930, in Hays, Kansas, to Pius and Anna (Lovenstein) Waldman, Pius was the eldest of his siblings, a role he embraced throughout his life.

Pius graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education in 1955, and a Master’s Degree in Education in 1959. Pius was drafted into the US Army for the Korean War in the middle of his Bachelors, and served from 1952-1954. He was stationed in Korea for over a year as a forward observer and supply specialist, leaving at the rank of Corporal in 1954 and returning to Kansas to finish his education.

On December 20, 1969, Pius married Mary Martha Pinkham. Although they divorced in 1980, their marriage resulted in the adoption of Tammy Renee (Waldman) Lively (1968) and the birth of three children: Mathea Ann Ford (1971), Pius “Duane” Waldman (1973), and Dorsa Christine Hailey (1975).

Pius dedicated his career to education, serving as an elementary school teacher, principal, and youth coach in Western Kansas and Leavenworth, Kansas. Later in life, he worked as a salesman for World Book and a substitute teacher. With the advent of the internet, Pius discovered a passion for genealogy, becoming a highly sought-after expert in Germans from Russia history and family ties. His tireless research and love for building his family tree connected him with many, and he continued this work until the day he passed. He was very proud to have found his oldest ancestor named Udalrici Waldman. His genealogy research can be found at blackseagr.org.

For the last 16 years, Pius lived with his daughter Mathea, her husband Donovan “Keith” Ford, and their two children in Oklahoma City. He was an avid sports fan, faithfully supporting the KU Jayhawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Kansas City Royals. Pius loved keeping stats during games and discussing the outcomes with family around the dinner table.

Above all, Pius cherished his role as a grandpa and great-grandpa, finding immense joy in watching his family grow and thrive.

Pius is survived by his children Mathea (Donovan) Ford and Dorsa (Michael) Hailey of Oklahoma City, OK, and Pius “Duane” (Kimberly) Waldman of Gardner, KS. His legacy includes ten grandchildren: William Bais, Michael Bais, Benjamin Lively, Robert “Bobby” (Natalee) Montenegro, Nathan Waldman, Lillian Waldman, Ryan Waldman, Jackson Waldman, Nicholas Ford, and Bethanny Ford; and three great-grandchildren: Jacoby Pius Montenegro, Jace Montenegro, and Bella Bais. He is also survived by his siblings: Irene Bechard, Delbert (Ethel) Waldman, and Linus (Antonia) Waldman, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Pius was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Lorena (Don) Burgardt, Mary Waldman, and Delores (Edmund) Zimmerman; his brother-in-law Larry Bechard; his ex-wife, Mary Martha Blanton, and his daughter Tammy Lively.

A visitation for Pius will be held Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Service, 1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071. A celebration of life will occur Friday, August 30, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Primrose Funeral Service.