Howard Duane Laws

Howard Duane Laws, 85, passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Presbyterian Manor with his daughters surrounding him. Duane was born on July 30, 1936 on a rural Hartford farm, the son of Howard and Hazel (Johnson) Laws. Duane attended Hartford schools and then transferred to Lamont in high school where he met Beverly in 1953. They were married at the First United Methodist Church in Emporia on February 12, 1955. She passed away on November 19, 2021. He was a farmer and had a Grade A dairy. After he quit the dairy business, he drove a semi truck for Wilson Brothers from Hartford and continued to farm until they retired from farming in 2018. After selling the farm they moved to Emporia to be closer to their daughters.

Duane was a former member of The Flint Hills Antique Power Association where he enjoyed driving his tractors in parades. In earlier years he participated in tractor pulls at various county fairs. Duane took great pride in maintaining the farm and was known for his meticulous mowing alongside the road and highway. He and Beverly grew their yearly corn patch that they shared with family and friends. They were also generous with sharing produce from their garden. 

He is survived by his four daughters, Ann White and Gaylene (Ken) Robinson of Emporia; Jill (Jon) Cook of Topeka; Samantha (John) Gilligan of Olpe; and his special grandson, Spencer Wells of Emporia. He is also survived by his sisters Wilma (George) Hancock of Midland, Texas; Lois Krahenbuhl of Topeka; Robert Laws of Jackson, Michigan; Mary Miller of Emporia; 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his wife, Beverly, son Gary, brothers James and Ray, and his parents Howard and Hazel Laws. 

Duane and Beverly cared for their special grandson, Spencer, for many years and quickly became known as Ma and Pa. As they aged, they made the difficult decision to place him into a local environment that was a good fit for the family and Spencer. Journeys Incorporated met and exceeded their expectations. Journeys Incorporated offers day and residential services for the developmentally disabled in Lyon County and surrounding counties.

Cremation is planned. Visitation services will be Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 10am-12pm at the Hartford Community Center. A memorial service will immediately follow at 12pm at the community center as well. Duane requested memorial contributions to Journeys Incorporated that can be sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Home in Lebo. Inurnment will be at the Hartford Cemetery at a later date.