On September 3rd, our beloved father, husband, brother, and friend, Duane “Papa” Purdue, passed away.

Duane loved and lived to ride motorcycles. He loved fishing, sharing stories, and just being surrounded by family and friends. He was incredibly intelligent and wise, with a great sense of humor that could light up any room. If you sat with him for even a short time, you’d probably hear one of his many stories—whether it was from his days in the Marine Corps, his motorcycle racing adventures, his 35 years as a private investigator, or even running the grueling Western States 100-mile race.

He never missed a chance to brag about his family. Though he always joked about his bad luck—“If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all”—he gave everything he had to others. Duane would hand you his last dollar without hesitation, sacrifice for anyone in need, and show up for people without ever asking for anything in return. He was a manly man, yet one of the most gentle souls you could ever meet.

He made a deep impression on everyone who crossed his path, even if it was just once. He was a protector, a provider, and above all, a man who cared deeply for others.

As we grieve this devastating loss, our wish is to honor Duane in the way he deserves—with a burial including military honors, followed by a celebration of life where we can gather to remember and share the stories that made him so unforgettable.

We are asking for support to help cover the costs of his memorial and burial. Any donation, no matter the size, will make a difference and help us give Duane the farewell he deserves. If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing this page means the world.

Thank you for your love, your prayers, and for helping us honor the life of a man who gave so much to all of us.

With gratitude,

The Purdue Family