Duane Ross passed away August 4, 2026 at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 90 years old. He was born July 13, 1936, on his grandparent's farm near Lexington, Oklahoma, to Ivan Edward and Velma Lee (Harryman) Ross.

His began his career with Carnation Company in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, later accepting a position with Speed King Manufacturing which took him to Griffin, Georgia, where he met and married Phyllis (Watt) Anderson on December 11, 1975. Soon afterward, Duane accepted the position of Marketing Manager with Speed King, which brought his family to Dodge City.Duane joined High Plains Publishers, Inc., in 1982, later rising to the position of President of the Board and Publisher in 1994. Duane retired in 2008. He loved his years working for the High Plains Journal and considered his co-workers valued friends and teammates.Duane lived out his faith serving in multiple roles at First United Methodist Church of Dodge City. He also served as a leader with professional and community organizations. He especially supported organizations that promoted the success of young people.Organizations he was committed to include: National Agri-Marketing Association; Founders Council of the Agri-Business Educational Foundation; Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce; Dodge City/Ford County Economic Development Corp.; Commissioner and Chairman of the Dodge City Housing Authority-30 years; Landmark Federal Savings Association Board; Chairman of the Board of The City of Dodge City and Tourism Task Force; Instrumental in the development and construction of the Dodge City Community College Student Activity Center and Emergency Shelter; and Dodge City Community College Endowment Board..........Duane is survived by three children: Ronna Keagle and husband George of Georgetown, Texas; LeAnn Flores and husband Andrew of Beebe, Arkansas; Kevin Ross and wife Linda of Georgetown, Texas; and three stepchildren: Debra Hiers and husband Jeff of Dodge City, Kansas; Terry Anderson and wife Linda of Peachtree City, Georgia; and Laura Andrews and husband Bret of Arlington, Texas; and a brother Dale Ross of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.Duane is preceded in death by his wife.Duane will be remembered for his love of his Lord, his family, his church, and his community. 

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Berniece Ludlum and Pastor Jeff Hiers presiding. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.Private family burial will take place at a later time.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church or Dodge City Community College Foundation for student scholarships through Swaims Funeral Home.Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.