Duane Lee Bales

Duane Lee Bales, aged 91, and a longtime resident of Casper, Wyoming, passed away, May 3, 2026, while in Hospice care.

Duane was born on June 20, 1934, in Lemmon, South Dakota. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Duane spent his formative years living in a sod house situated on the vast plains of South Dakota. He was raised alongside four brothers and one sister, sharing the challenges and routines of farm life.

Family and Daily Life on the farm was demanding, with strenuous work required from all family members. The winters were particularly harsh, making daily tasks even more difficult. Despite these challenges, Duane and his siblings were dedicated to their education, often walking several miles each day to attend school.

Duane loved sharing stories from his childhood, often bringing laughter to family gatherings. His tales of farm mischief—such as chickens fed fermented corn and climbing windmills for repairs—captured the resilience, humor, and adventurous spirit that defined him. His children and grandchildren especially treasured these moments of storytelling.

In 1941, as many adult men were enlisted to fight in World War II, Duane’s father, who was serving as the county commissioner in South Dakota, relied on his young sons to help maintain the local infrastructure. Duane and his older brother Jack operated equipment to maintain the county roads near Lemmon, South Dakota. Even at a very young age, Duane was responsible for running a DoMor (road grader). His parents provided him with an old Dodge truck that he would tow behind the grader and use as a place to sleep. While on the job, Duane ate simple meals such as sandwiches, but many local farmers also offered him food as he worked in their areas.

Raised in a devout Seventh-day Adventist home, Duane attended Plainview Academy for both elementary and high school. While there, he earned money breaking horses for a Catholic priest—an early sign of his strong work ethic and versatility.

Duane served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 during the Korean war as a medic. He received the medal of national defense and army of occupation medal during his time of service. While serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in Germany, Duane met his first wife, Gaylen M. Guilford. After the war, Duane and Gaylen married and had four children together. Living in several Wyoming communities before settling in Casper. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1966.

In 1967, Duane met the love of his life, Barbara, while working in Sturgis, South Dakota. They married on November 17, 1967, and shared a loving partnership for 57 years until her passing.

Duane worked for Shirley Basin Mines and HW Moore Equipment Company for many years, later accepting a job with Galion Ohio Iron Works, where he specialized in heavy duty road building equipment. He was a dedicated member of VFW Post 10677, serving as commander and later as club manager for more than 25 years. He played a key role in establishing the VFW’s new location on Yellowstone Highway. It was closed permanently almost a year after his retirement.

Duane was passionate about the outdoors, finding great fulfillment as an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent countless days exploring the mountains, lakes, and wilderness areas of Wyoming, immersing himself in the beauty and peace of nature.

As a devoted father, Duane was committed to sharing his love of the outdoors with his children. He took each of his children to the shooting range, teaching them about marksmanship and the importance of gun safety. Beyond that, he introduced them to camping, hunting, and fishing, ensuring that each child learned the survival skills necessary to thrive in the wild.

Time spent outdoors, whether boating, fishing, hunting, or rock collecting—was precious to Duane, especially when shared with friends and family. Duane also enjoyed country western music and dancing. For several years Duane was able to enjoy traveling with his wife seeing sights such as Alaska, Canada and the Northern Territories, Utah, The Badlands of North Dakota, Ohio, Colorado, Texas, Montana, Redwood, and Yosemite National Forests. One of their favorite seasonal trips was to the Montana Music Ranch outside of Livingston Montana. Duane, along with his late wife continued a hectic schedule with his grandchildren. Following them around the U.S. as they marched in the Casper Troopers Drum and Bugle Corp. and basketball games around Wyoming and South Dakota. These experiences served as the foundation for many cherished memories and deepened his bonds with loved ones. Throughout his life, Duane was grateful for the many lasting friendships he built, often fostered through his outdoor adventures and shared passions.

Duane delighted in being a grandfather, quickly becoming “grandpa” to all children—and even some adults—who entered his life, whether family or friends.

Two years ago, a young lady joined our lives while helping care for our parents. She shared a heartfelt message: “Thank you all so much. You all bring me so much joy, thank you for sharing both your grandparents with me. It’s been a blessing and an honor.” Her words beautifully express the impact Duane and his family had on those around them, and she herself was a blessing to both of our parents.

He is survived by his daughter, Jody (Bales) White of Burleson, Texas; three sons, Kevin Bales of Livingston, Montana, Dennis Bales (Adriana) of Parker, Colorado, and Daniel Bales (Rhonda) of Toledo, Ohio; and a bonus daughter, Betty Quasney (Mike) of Rapid City, South Dakota.

His grandchildren include Darci Reed of Casper, Wyoming, Miranda Baker (Trent) of Burleson, Texas. Bernadette (Richard) Hernandez, Derek Bales, and Ryne Bales, all of Toledo, Ohio.

Duane’s great-grandchildren are Marissa and Trinity Baker of Burleson Texas. And Ezekiel (Zeke) and Malachi (Mal) Hernandez of Toledo Ohio.

Bonus grandchildren are Jeff Bennett (Kim) of Piedmont, South Dakota, Duane Bennett (Lisa) of Howes, South Dakota, and Kimberly Fouts (Travis) of Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Bonus great-grandchildren include Jadyn and Kalyn Bennett, Caleb Bennett of South Dakota. Lincoln Young, and Nolan and Kinsley Fouts of Rock Springs Wyoming and Trevor and Violet Baker of Burleson Texas.

Duane is survived by his sister, Nona Timothy (Bales) of Minot, North Dakota, and brothers Eldon Bales (Marj) of Casper, Wyoming, and Doug Bales (Shirley) of Billings, Montana.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Bales, his parents, Wendell P. Bales and Ardis DeLila Dayton. His sister Delores K Bales, and brothers Jack Bales and Wesley Bales.

Per Duane’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. A direct service will be conducted at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice.

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