Duane W. Hatfield

Duane W. Hatfield, 86, of Cozad, Nebraska, former Lexington resident, passed away peacefully at home with his daughters by his side, Thursday, September 11, 2014. Duane was born July 20, 1928, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Charles and Ethel (Sherman) Hatfield. He graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1946. On June 18, 1946, he was inducted into the United States Navy and served his country until being honorably discharged on April 15, 1948. Upon his return from the Navy, he married the love of his life, Jeanie VanAuken on March 30, 1952, in Lincoln, NE. Four daughters were born to this marriage; Marylouise, Marthajane, Melanie and Melinda. Duane was involved in the farming business his entire life. He enjoyed gardening, yard work and making his favorite Horseradish. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Duane is survived by his daughters; Marylouise Hatfield of Greenville, NC; Marthajane Staight of Casper, WY; Melanie and husband Jim Johnson of Cozad, NE: and, Melinda and husband Ron Erpelding of Lincoln, NE; one sister, Jean Larson of Lexington, NE; three grandchildren; Chase, Max and Mallory; two great-grandsons, Marshall and Major; as well as four nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeanie; brother-in-law, Shorty Larson; and, nephew, Bill Larson. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Reverend Dyton Owen officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association, the MS Foundation or Central Plains Home Health and Hospice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.