With family and friends close by, D. Duane Scoville passed away May 3, 2024, after a long illness. He was 69.

Duane was born Jan. 5, 1955, in Lindsborg, Kansas, to Donald and Pat Scoville, He was the third-born of four children. They grew up mainly in Smolan, Kansas.

A U.S. Navy veteran from the Vietnam era, Duane’s passion was riding horses, training them and working as a cowboy. He enjoyed and perfected that profession for many years in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

He married Judith Elaine Jones of Salina, July 5, 1975, in Florida. They raised three sons in Salina, Kansas.

Duane married Stephanie Ash, on New Year’s Eve, 1998, in Eureka, Springs, AR. They purchased a historic mountainous ranch near Lake George, CO in 2007, and named it Idlewild Ridge Ranch.

Duane worked as a tour guide with Adventures Out West, and was nicknamed Scorpion Cowboy. His big personality and infectious laugh enabled him to garner quite a following. Expert horsemanship and a love for the Old West enabled Duane’s involvement in local television commercials and movies. The latest movie, “Horizon,” starring Kevin Costner, will hit theaters in June.

Most recently, Duane volunteered as a youth mentor at Shiloh Ranch Ministries near Solomon, and he helped care for the horses.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, and a niece (Donna’s daughter), Jennifer Bartunek.

Duane is survived by his siblings Dennis (Pam) of Salina, Donna Smith of Buena Vista CO, Patty (Dave) Basgall, Junction City, and numerous beloved nieces & nephews; his wife, Stephanie; His children Dunn (Monica) New Jersey, Luke (Emily) Kansas City, Jake (Ashley) Salina, Susannah (Denver), Justin, Lake George, Keely (Kelly) Laramie, WY; grandchildren Jacob, Lauren, Benjamin, Noah, Gracie, Lucas, Annie, Siggy, Erik, Arnie, Ludwig, Mia, Anthony, Kolton, Katelyn and Kaleb.

Duane’s beloved animals include horses Paloma and Raven. He shared an apartment with canines Lucky and Adele (a.k.a. Addie), and felines Sky and Telly.

The family plans a celebration of life at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Shiloh Ranch, 2868 Solomon Road, Solomon, KS. A memorial service will occur later at Idlewild Ranch.

The family suggests donations in Duane’s name to Shiloh Ranch Ministries.