Duane Truss

Duane Bernie Truss, 90, died at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  He was born on June 10, 1934, to Hugh and Dorothy (Futrell) Truss in Wabash, Indiana. Duane graduated from Linlawn High School in 1952.  He was a lifelong resident of Wabash. 

He farmed with his father until he enlisted in the United States Army in 1953.  He served during the Occupation of Germany.  After returning home, he married Bonnie Jean Hullinger, on June 1, 1957, in Wabash, Indiana.  He continued farming with his father-in-law.  Once his father-in-law retired, he began farming with his son Sherman.  He raised Purebred Shorthorn Cattle and loved all his Dachshund puppies. 

He served as Commander of the VFW Post 286 for 18 years. He was a Wabash County 4H Leader for 55 years, served on the Wabash County Fair Association, Wabash County 4H Council, Indiana Shorthorn Association, was a member of the American Shorthorn Association, and served on the Mississinewa Memorial Cemetery Board.  Duane was an active member of the College Corner Brethren Church for 79 years where he held many positions.  He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash January 1, 2014.  He and his wife were foster parents through White’s Residential Services for 20 years.  Serving approximately 60 children.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Truss, Wabash; 3 sons, Sherman (Lorraine) Truss, Steven Truss, and Samuel (Sherry) Truss all of Wabash. 4 grandchildren, Lindsay Swihart, Wabash, John Thomma, Muncie, Indiana, Samuel "Joseph” (Melissa) Truss, Wabash, and Seth Truss, Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  6 great grandchildren, Matthew (Emma) Thomma, Robert Thomma, all of Muncie, Indiana, Brinlei Swihart, Breslyn Swihart, MaKenna Truss, Everlei Truss all of Wabash, 2 sisters; Patricia Keppel, DeLand, Florida and Ruthann Gardner, Wabash.  Also, nephews Dennis (Susan) Keppel, Roann, Indiana, Daniel (Rolanda) Keppel, DeLand, Florida, and niece Tammi (John) Gardner-Venable, Wabash.   He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Brittany Truss, nephews David Keppel and Michael Gardner.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2024, at College Corner Brethren Church, with Pastor Solomon David officiating.  Burial with military honors will be in Mississinewa Memorial Cemetery.  Friends may call 12-3 p.m. Thursday at the church. Preferred memorials are College Corner Brethren Church and VFW Post 286.

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