Duane Koss

Duane Allen Koss, 77, of Fort Sumner, NM passed away on December 28, 2022 in Fort Sumner, NM. He was born on May 7, 1945 to Frank and Loretta (Jenner) Koss in Des Moines, IA. Duane grew up in Washington, KS and was in Scout Troop 86, in which he spent six years as a Scout. He attended Washington High School and graduated in 1963. He served in the United States Air Force (USAF) during the Vietnam War. He was a Staff Sergeant (SSgt) from 1963 to 1972 in the areas of Missile Maintenance, Base Fuels, and Computer Maintenance. During his time in active duty, he was awarded an Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) in 1971. Duane worked for Sperry/UNIVAC, Unisys, Harris Corporation, and EMC 2 throughout his career as a Computer Engineer. He studied Business and Photography at Bellevue University in Bellevue, NE.

He married Judith (Simnitt) in August 1963 in Washington, KS and they later divorced after more than 25 years of marriage and remained friends. From that marriage, they had two children, Jeffrey and Michelle. They spent many years living in Plattsmouth, NE. Duane later moved to the Kansas City area when working for EMC 2 in 1999-2005 and then to New Mexico. Duane was very dedicated to Boy Scouts and the Order of the Arrow for 42 years. He was a Scoutmaster and Mentor for several troops within the Mid America Council in Nebraska and Conquistador Council in New Mexico. He supported uncountable Scout meetings, fund raising activities, camping trips, camporees, & summer camps. Duane also held several District positions within both Scouting Councils.

He helped 20+ Scouts obtain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award in the Boy Scouts of America. In 1985, he was Scoutmaster for the National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, VA. He led three (3) different trek itineraries with Scouts to the Philmont Scout Ranch in 1980, 1984, and 1988 near Cimarron, NM to include backpacking up Mount Baldy and the Tooth of Time. He also assisted with activities for the Girl Scouts and 4H. His hobbies included Railroading (Model and Photographing / Tracking Railroad Engines and Cars). He was an avid fan of the Appalachian Trail, anything related on Route 66, all types of history (including the Civil War), fixing computers, genealogy, and rebuilding cars. He helped organize the Curtis Hill Rendezvous train gatherings in Western Oklahoma with others as a group to enjoy each other’s company and photograph trains.

Duane is survived by his ex-wife, Judith, and children, Jeffrey (Lori) and Michelle (Stephen) Sikora, and one grandson, Christopher Sikora. He is also survived by his brothers, Francis (Geri) and Ronald (Delilah) Koss. Duane was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Loretta.

He will be remembered by his efforts to help others in need, his exceptional organizational skills for planning / executing large events, and his ability to fix nearly everything he worked on. In addition, he had a strong ambition to provide boys and girls with the Scouting skill sets to become young adults, to excel in Scouting, and to become leaders in their adult lives. His vision was to make a difference in future generations over the next 100 plus years.

Duane was cremated in December 2022. Interment of his ashes occurred at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, NE on August 9, 2024.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.