Walter Duane Shermer was peacefully called home on January 2, 2023. He was born July 7, 1935, at grandparents’ home in rural Rock County, the second child of Asa Clifford and Thelma Irene (Johns) Shermer.
Duane lived in rural Holt County during his childhood. He graduated from the 8th grade at District 70 and from Atkinson High School in 1952. Duane married Shirley Flowers on May 28, 1955, at the Burwell Methodist Church. They moved to Kalispell, Montana, in December 1955, returning to Burwell in early 1958. Duane worked on the Wallace Hill and Howard Pitzer ranches.
Duane, known by many as Slim, was a true horseman and cowman. He could recognize true quality animals. He was passionate about raising Angus cattle, quarter horses, and coyote hounds. He was a good steward of the land and the animals in his care. Hunting with his coyote hounds was a favorite pastime. He farmed and ranched in rural Garfield County until 1987. Duane and Shirley also owned and operated Slim’s Dairy Mart from 1975-1980. Duane became a full-time mail carrier in 1987. He retired in 2003.
Duane served on District 4M and District 100 school boards and extension board; he was a county commissioner, ASCS and FMHA committee member, and 4-H leader.
Duane is survived by his wife Shirley and children Pat (Frank) Gonzalez of Grand Island, Steve (Yanci) Shermer of Bartlett, Mel (Kay) Shermer of Burwell, Jean (Tom) Keslar of Syracuse, and Jana Reiter of Burwell, brother Gene (Theresa) Shermer of Norfolk, sister Ellen Maroney of Butte, Montana, 17 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren with an additional great-grandchild expected this spring, and 2 great- great-grandchildren, with an additional great-great-grandchild expected this spring, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Gadis and Leila Flowers, brother Gary Shermer, brothers-in-law Wally Maroney and Jim Flowers, and great-grandchildren Peyton and Ana.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 10:30, at the Baptist Church; burial services will follow at Cottonwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, January 6, 2023, at the Baptist Church from 5:00-7:00. The family requests no flowers; memorials are suggested to the Garfield Frontier Fair Association.
Funeral arrangements made by Hitchcock Funeral Home.
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