"To Duane's family - I learned too late of Duane's death to attend the funeral but wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. Duane was such a gentle spirit when we were kids - we sure had fun a recess! He and his Mom were so kind to me when my mother died when I was in junior high. Sounds like he continued his kind ways thru life. Sure wish God could leave the good one's on earth for eternity!! Fran (Benedict) Olson "
In loving memory of
E. Duane Clay
November 16, 2007
Elton Duane Clay, one of two children of Elton Franklin and Laura Catherine (Patterson) Clay, was born on April 8, 1948 in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up in the Malvern, Iowa area. He was a member of the Malvern Presbyterian Church and attended Pleasant Valley Country School and the Malvern Schools where he graduated in 1966. Following high school, Duane attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. He transferred his junior year to the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1970. During college, Duane's summer job was switchman at Union Pacific Railroad in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Duane and Evelyn Diane Blackman were married on March 30, 1969 at the First Baptist Church in Glenwood, Iowa. Duane joined the church in August of 1969. Their marriage was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Denise Evelyn, on February 26, 1973. They lived near Malvern and later in Omaha before moving in 1974 to their present home west of Malvern.
Duane worked in Omaha, first as an internal auditor at Mutual of Omaha. In 1979, he worked at the Continental General Insurance Company where he started an internal audit section and became Company Treasurer. He later became Controller for Central States Indemnity. Duane was a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and the EDP Auditors Association. He was active as a Mills County Election Board Official and treasurer of the Malvern Historical Society. Duane and Diane were active in their church, community and school and supported Denise in her many activities. In 1992, they both shared the honor of being "Malvern Sports Fan of the Year". Duane enjoyed airplanes and flying, reading, and home-made rolls and breads. He loved being with family and his four granddaughters who kept him busy and delighted his days.
Duane and Diane had been married 38 years, when Duane lost his battle with cancer at his home on November 16, 2007. He had attained the age of 59 years, 7 months and 8 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elton and Laura Clay and stepfather, Willard Casper. Duane is survived by his wife Diane (Blackman) Clay; daughter Denise Bainter and husband John and their daughters Ashleigh, Haleigh, Emileigh, and Ryleigh; sister Linda Marshall and husband George, Jr., all of Malvern; nephews Dirk Marshall and wife Amy and their children Austin, Taylor, Madison, and Lindsey of Mesquite, NV and George Marshall III of Orem, Utah; father and mother-in-law, Wayne and Marjorie Blackman and brother-in-law Lee Blackman of Malvern; other relatives and many friends.
A memorial fund has been established.
Tributes
"My thoughts are prayers are with you during this difficult time. Duane was a very wonderful person. I had the pleasure of working with him for 10 years at Continental General. He sure taught me a lot. He helped me move from one apartment to another, was always honest and did "the right thing" by all. I have been very blessed to have known Duane. There are just too few people like him. May the good Lord guide you through this difficult time. "
"Our condolences to the family in this time of sorrow. May God's blessing help the family during this trying time."
"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. As you said Diane, Duane is no longer in pain. He has been healed of his cancer by his going HOME. I will be praying for all of you. Lean on your family and friends. I will be praying for all of you. Much love and understanding, Cory, Chrissy, Corbin and Courtney"
"Diane and family, I was so sorry to hear of Duane's passing. Mom was 59 as well. Too short of a life in my opinion. I know she is welcoming him with open arms though!! Duane will be greatly missed but thoughts of his goodness and spirit will be with you today, tomorrow and 20 years from now!!! There's never a good time for a death but I'm sure it's especially hard during this holiday season. Malvern will come to your physical and mental aid during the next few months! It's a wonderful town with fabulous people who love the both of you. Rest assured you will be taken care of!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Traci Tornquist Davison"
"Many of us at CSI had the pleasure to work alongside Duane for the last several years. He will be missed and my prayer for the family is that, one day, the sorrow you feel today will be replaced with wonderful thoughts and fond memories of Duane. May you sense a "peace that passes all understanding" in these days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you! May you find strength in your family, friends, community and our God! Nate Hanson"
"Our deepest sympathy goes to all of you. Duane touched a lot of lives. We are here for you."
"To all of Duane's family........please know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to hold you tenderly and give you His peace. May happy memories sustain you in the days ahead. Love, The Cary Families (Pearl, Ramona, Jean, Phyllis and Doris)"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know that he is now in the hands of God and he will take care of him. It has been our pleasure to know him all these years, and will miss him, as we know all of you will. Take care and know we care. "
"Was sorry to hear of Duane's passing. In your sorrow, remember the good times too."