Christmas Day Passage

Duane Sanford Edmonds died at home December 25, 2007 after a short, courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 21, 1931, to Manford Wayne Edmonds and Lillian Vesta Carlson Edmonds. The eldest of identical twins, Duane grew up on a farm just outside Powell and attended Powell schools. Duane married Jo Ann Elizabeth Graham of Powell January 28, 1956.

(The Edmonds family wishes to express our deepest gratitude for the many wishes, thoughts and prayers sent our way during our dad’s illness.

He passed away peacefully early this Christmas morning (12:26 AM). Dad was not in pain. His grandchildren sat with him most all of Christmas Eve, rubbing his arms and feet, and scratching his head which he so enjoyed. They fed him ice chips, pipettes of water and Gatorade and told him stories of their recent accomplishments of school. Chad got to read him passages from the Bible, which he felt were important for Grandpa to hear, and he whispered, “You are saved.”

Mom took over the vigil at 11:30 PM as the grandkids readied themselves for bed and stayed by his side, reassuring him that many family members and friends were waiting for him as he passed to God’s hands.

Dad wanted so much for his own Christmas present to see and hear his grandchildren. He received his wish.

Today our family celebrated Christmas traditions as we always have, and we continue to be thankful for the many years we shared with Dad. Christmas will always hold a special place for this family.

With love and peace to you and your families this holiday season,

Jo Ann, Craig, Greg, Julie, Ana, Amanda, Chad, Meagan, Jackie, Rachel)

His father, mother, brother Dwight Manford Edmonds, and sister Janet Elaine Burnett Hale preceded Duane in death.

He is survived by his wife Jo Ann Edmonds of Powell, his brother; Alonzo John (Jack) Edmonds of Gillette (Dorothy Roper Edmonds); sons Craig Edmonds (Julie) of Puyallup, Washington, and Gregory Edmonds (Ana) of Phoenix, Arizona; grandchildren Amanda and Chad Edmonds (Craig), Megan, Jacqueline and Rachel Edmonds (Gregory); his sister in-law Myrna Dearcorn Edmonds of Crandall; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

The list of Duane's memberships, associations, contributions, accomplishments and awards is very long. Among those that were precious to him is the Future Farmer of America "Degree of American Farmer" he earned in 1951 shortly before enlisting in the service. Assigned to the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command, he proudly served his country at home and oversees during the Korean Conflict.

Duane attended Northwest College in Powell before transferring to the University of Wyoming where he earned degrees in chemistry and mathematics. Upon graduation, he moved to the Seattle, Wash., area where he raised his family and worked 30 years as an engineer for the Boeing Company. He was a member of design teams for the Space Shuttle, Lunar Rover and the Boeing Supersonic Transport. He retired in 1989 as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Commercial Airplane Division.

Duane followed through on his dream to retire to the Edmonds' family homestead in Powell where he became a civic leader, volunteering many hours to education as a mentor, fundraiser, president and member of the Park County School District #1. He was also chairman and member of the Wyoming State Board of Education, and member of the National Association of School Board Education (NASBE). Duane served on the Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) and the Northwest College Foundation. He was an active member of the Powell Rotary. Duane was the Worshipful Master of Absorakee Lodge of Masons.

Recently, Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal issued a governor's proclamation honoring Duane for his service to education and Wyoming's youth.

Duane "walked the talk" of service to others. He led by example and was quick to roll up his sleeves and pitch in to solve a problem or get the job done. He loved working the concession stands and calling bingo for the American Legion. He was also their treasurer.

One of his greatest pleasures was speaking to students about the importance of education and judging local science fairs and forensics tournaments. Duane was an avid, lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and many other youth causes.

We are reminded of Duane's e-mail tagline, "Anyone can make a difference. Everyone should try!" His family, friends and community will miss him greatly.

A Celebration of Life Service for Duane will be held January 12, 2008, 2 PM at the Northwest College Nelson Auditorium, 231 W 6th St., Powell Wyoming 82435.

To honor their wishes, the family requests memorial contributions to the Absorakee Masonic Lodge #30, Powell Valley Hospice (777 Avenue H) or the Powell Schools Foundation (160 N. Evarts).

- Craig