Duane Lee Henderson was born on September 8, 1927 to Raymond and Mabel Henderson in Belleville, KS. He attended high school in Belleville, then joined the Navy in 1945. He was honorably discharged in 1946, and then studied at Kansas State University.
On February 1, 1948 in Salina, KS, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Mary Belle (Nelson) to whom he was deeply devoted for 74 years of marriage. To this union, four children were born. The family lived in Belleville, KS until 1957 when they moved to Peoria, IL. In 1970 they moved to Darien, IL and in 1977, Lisle, IL.
Duane then entered the Postal Inspection Service in 1947 where he enjoyed a 31-year career. He worked his way up through the ranks to be #2 man in charge of the Postal Inspection Service at the Chicago Post Office. After retiring from the post office, he received his real estate license and worked for Coldwell Banker for 10 years. During that time, he earned the President’s Club award for high sales. Upon retiring from Coldwell Banker in 1988, he enjoyed working part time with son Scott at Vidtech Audio Visual until age 80.
Duane was active member of the First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove. In earlier years, he and his wife taught Sunday school and sponsored the high school youth group. His church and faith were very important in his life.
Duane enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. In the early years, Duane and Mary took their children for 3-4 week camping trips throughout the U.S. and Canada in a pop up camper. As empty nesters, they travelled to Jamaica, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, the European capitals plus Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, They also explored the U.S. in their Winnebago including several cross country treks to Alaska, California, Arizona, and Texas. In later years, Duane loved the many trips that were taken, especially the times the entire family went to Colorado together and to the beach at Fripp Island, South Carolina. This desire to travel and love for the outdoors has been passed down to all the generations that followed.
Duane was an avid golfer most of his life (with a handicap as low as single digits). He played in golf leagues in Lisle and Wheaton as well as Northern Illinois Men’s Amateur Golf Association. He won numerous trophies in each league. He played until age 90. He was also very handy at home projects, having built a garage, deck, and an outdoor patio to name a few. His first large project was moving an old schoolhouse onto a lot in Belleville, KS and converting it into the family’s first home. Duane was very artistic and upon retirement, he had the time to devote to painting beautiful landscapes he had come across as well as replicating by hand structures that were significant in some way. Each of his children and grandchildren have been able to keep one of his paintings in memory of their father/grandfather.
Duane will be remembered as being a loving husband, father and grandfather, dedicated to family and his faith. Duane is survived by his sons, Mark, Steve, Scott (Jean); his daughter, Susan (Mark) Casey; four grandchildren, Meghan Casey, Matt (Bri) Casey, Kevin (Danielle) Henderson, and Lisa (Joey) Johnston; great grandchildren, Ben, Carter, Lilyana, Jace and Emma. He was preceded in death by his wife, and his parents.
A Memorial service will be held May 4th, 2023 beginning at 10:30am at United Methodist Church of Downers Grove.
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