L. Duane Etchison , age 78 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 at home surrounded by his family after a brief illness, but a well-lived life.  He was born Dec. 17, 1945 in Elwood, the son of Lester F. and Louise F. (Morehead) Etchison.  Duane was a 1964 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood before serving in the U.S. Army.  He was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War, and he remained a proud Army veteran.  Duane attended Ball State College in Muncie.  He married Joanna K. Smith on July 3, 1966, and they shared over 58 years of marriage together.  Duane became a firefighter with the Elwood Fire Department in 1972, and this became his life's calling over a career of 23 years.  During his service, Duane became the department's first licensed E.M.T. and was an instructor in emergency care for several years.  He was appointed Fire Chief under two Elwood mayors and retired from the fire department in 1995 after a long, distinguished career.

Duane was a member of the Elwood Firefighters Association Local #1671, the Elwood Elks Lodge #368, and the Elwood V.F.W. #5782.  He formerly enjoyed woodworking in his garage and fishing for many years.  He was affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church in Elwood with his wife, Joanna.  Duane enjoyed reading very much and had read hundreds of books through the years.  Most recently, he completed reading the entire Bible in 2024.  For many years, he and Joanna also enjoyed spending Summer months at their lake home on Yellow Creek Lake.  Duane never met a stranger, and he loved sharing a humorous story or new joke with friends and family.  More than anything, Duane will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be forever missed.

Duane's family includes his wife, Joanna Etchison of Elwood; two daughters, Jennifer (Dennis) Gerencser of Elwood and Jessica (Dave) Williamson of Cincinnati, OH; two siblings, Don (Arlene) Etchison of Greentown and Diana Scudder of Ohio; 7 grandchildren, Allison Sallee, Kristen (Scotty) Arr, Courtney (Christian) Westafer, Kendra (Trenton) Rapp, Ryan Williamson, Adam Williamson, and Julius Gerencser; 7 great-grandchildren, Matthew Geiling, Sonny Arr, Bonnie Arr, Bhodi Arr, Charlotte Westafer, Alden Westafer, and Jett Rapp; brother-in-law, Roger Roe of Sebring, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.  Duane was preceded in death by his parents; son, John D. Etchison, and brother-in-law, Larry Scudder.

A funeral celebrating Duane's life and career will be held with full Fireman's Honors at 11:00 am on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Phil Votaw officiating.  Duane's casket will be carried by fire truck to the Elwood City Cemetery for burial where military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army and the Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard.  Visitation for family, friends, and firefighters will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home with a flag tribute by the Indiana Patriot Guard.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Elwood Fire Department Fund.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.