Montezuma - Duane Dale Buller was born to Harvey and Julia (Koehn) Buller on February 11, 1941 in Montezuma. As an infant, Duane suffered from a high fever resulting in complications that left him totally deaf. Surrounded by family, Duane's hearing was perfectly restored Sunday, June 12, at 1:58 in the afternoon when he entered the presence of his Lord and Savior forever healed and made whole.

Duane's faith was childlike simply telling his family he "had Jesus in his heart". On the basis of the testimony of his belief that Christ died for his sins and was resurrected, Duane was baptized on March 5, 1961 by Minister Daniel J. Koehn. Duane was a member of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite.

Due to his hearing impairment, it was determined that Duane would need specialized education. He attended the Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe, where he graduated from the eighth grade. Duane returned to Montezuma and enrolled in the public high school in Montezuma for his freshman year. He was blessed with kind a caring teachers who wrote out his assignments with consideration given to his inability to understand verbal instructions due to his impaired hearing. Duane did well, completing all of his courses and graduated four years later with his class.

Duane made many friends in spite of his handicap and maintained an outgoing personality with a quick smile for all. He was blessed with an aptitude for mechanics which resulted in a life-long interest in cars and engines.

Duane was skilled in many areas and performed any job he was assigned with pride in his workmanship and in excellent fashion. His first job was working for Marvin O. Koehn in constructing the Ingalls Feedyard. When the feedlot job was completed, Duane worked for Meade Manufacturing where he built cabinets for campers they manufactured. He later moved to Hesston and took a job at Hesston Manufacturing where he installed glass in tractor cabs. Duane was a skilled welder and worked for Trade Wind Industries in Liberal. Later on he worked for King Radio in Olathe where he installed components in electronic equipment. He later moved back to Montezuma and worked at Montezuma Hardware and Lumber when Ernie Krey owned the business.

Those left who will miss Duane's presence but cherish the precious memories of a very special brother are Vernon and Shirley Buller of Montezuma, Ronald Buller of Montezuma, and Sharon and Denton Unruh of Dodge City; and a special uncle to nephews, Bradley and Lizzie Buller of Council Grove and Bruce and Tricia Unruh of Wichita; nieces, Clarice and Brad Richardson of Ingalls and Melody and Kraig Kinnamon of Shawnee.He is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Charles Schmidt, Kalvin Salsbury, and Kelsey Unruh presiding. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Montezuma on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.

We are deeply grateful for the loving care our brother received at the Bethel Home while he was there.