Duane “Frank” Gene Sailors, 92, of Lincoln formerly of Barada, Nebraska was born on December 30, 1931, in Barada, Nebraska to Loyd and Roxie (Smith) Sailors. He was raised on the family farm near Barada where he attended country school. Duane graduated from Shubert High School with the class of 1949. He married Barbara Stewart of Falls City, and they made their home in Barada. He farmed the family farm near Barada for many years while also working at the Falls City Creamery for the James Brothers freezing turkeys. Duane also worked for Falls City Mercantile, Falls City Truck & Implement (International Harvester), then Seid Implement. After moving to Lincoln, Duane worked as a tower guard at the Nebraska State Penitentiary and received a Letter of Commendation before retiring at the age of 75 as a supervisor at the Nebraska Department of Roads.
Duane loved having a boat, and was an active member of the Rulo Boat Club. He and Barbara enjoyed taking family vacations twice (and sometimes even three times) a year at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. This became a tradition that continued even after the children were all adults.
After his wife Barbara died in 1989, he later married Barb Richards of Lincoln.
Duane passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024, at Southlake Village in Lincoln, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of ninety-two years and two days.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Barbara Stewart, infant son Todd Ray, son Jason Loyd, grandson Ryan Schulenberg, brother Eldro “Shorty” Sailors, sister Darline and brother-in law (William) Wright, and sister-in-law Caroline Palmer.
Duane is survived by his children: Roxanne Sailors of Humboldt, NE; Greg Sailors and husband Lon Thompson of Lincoln, Gina Noel and husband Terry of Lincoln, Joni Sailors of Lincoln, grandchildren: Brandon Sailors of Boise, ID; Adam Sailors and wife Jessica of Boise, ID; Andrew Sailors and wife Brittany of Boise, ID; Dustin Ferguson of Murrieta, CA; Jordyn Ferguson of East Wenatchee, WA; Breana Stier and husband Daniel of Temecula, CA; seven great-grandchildren, and other relatives, and friends.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Jerry Yount officiating.
Inurnment will be at the Harris Cemetery in Barada, Nebraska at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be given the family’s choice with a later designation.
Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net
Services entrusted to Hall Funeral Home-2403 Harlan St-Falls City, NE 68355 (402) 245-3131.
