Cleo Duffey, 94, of Menlo, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Citizens Medical Center in Colby.
Cleo was born on June 21, 1929 at the family home southwest of Menlo to Ray and Eva (Moos) Duffey. He attended school in Menlo where he graduated in 1947, after which he helped on the family farm for a time.
He joined the Army in 1951 and served in the Korean War. During his time there, Cleo was a section chief in a rocket launching battery known as the Duffey Rocketeers. He achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class as he proudly served the country he loved.
Cleo spent the remainder of his life farming the land homesteaded by his grandfather, John J. Duffey, in 1885. Whether it be crops or cattle, Cleo’s very heart and soul went into performing every task. He cared for his cattle as if they were his children, ensuring their every need was taken care of. Even treacherously low temperatures could not keep him inside during calving season should a birth require his assistance. He loved the land passionately and looked forward to the planting season, watching his crops grow, and harvesting time. As with generations before him, farming was truly “in Cleo’s blood”.His family was a great source of love, pride, and contentment. With 37 nieces and nephews who visited “the farm” regularly, there were plenty of “legs to pull” and lessons to teach such as playing pinochle, shooting hoops, horseshoes, and how to drive. How can we forget the ice cream bars in the freezer and the “bachelor” cookie jar!? The stories are too numerous to mention, but they are all treasured in the hearts of those blessed to be a part of Cleo’s family.
Cleo was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Eva; brothers, Chester and Harold Duffey, and sisters, Eileen Murphy, Madine Benda, Winifred Smith, Juanita Kling, Bernita Gawith, and Freda Weyand. Survivors include Nina Brandt of Danville, Indiana, Leoma Steiger of Oakley, Kansas, and Loreda Wagner of LaCrosse, Kansas.
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Menlo Cemetery. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com