Charles Duane Sconce was born to Oral and Louise (Clark) Sconce on July 22, 1936, at their home in Winona, Missouri. Known to his family and friends as Duane, he grew up in Eminence, and attended Eminence High School, and graduated in 1954. He had many friends and was well-liked by his classmates. While in high school, he worked after school and on weekends at Ward’s Store in Eminence. After graduating, he attended college at the University of Missouri and earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
Duane was married to Barbara Mabrey at Fremont Baptist Church on March 13, 1958, with the ceremony being performed by Duane’s Uncle Johnny Sconce, who was the Pastor of Fremont Baptist Church at that time. To this union, two daughters were born, Sandra Kay and Linda Sue.
It was while he was attending college that he met and married Barbara, and they started their family. Duane began working in construction, first building houses and then going into commercial building. He worked at this for many years and made his way to Superintendent. His crew constructed buildings for Banks and Post Offices in several different states. He retired from this and settled in the Nixa area, but wasn’t ready to stay home. Duane and Barbara bought an RV, and traveled and spent some winters in Texas, snowbirding. He later worked at Silver Dollar City and drove a tram, among other things.
Duane was saved and baptized at an early age, and was a member of Eminence Baptist Church for many years. At the time of his death, he was a member of Riverdale Baptist Church in Nixa, Missouri.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents; both of his daughters; his sister, Betty Sue Rader; and his brother-in-law, T.F. Cox.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; one sister, Joy Gail Cox of Eminence, MO; one brother-in-law, Max Rader of Birch Tree, MO; two step-granddaughters; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Duane will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Eminence, Missouri, with Pastor Jamie Bilyeu officiating under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Eminence. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. also at the church. Interment will be in Munsell Cemetery, Eminence. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolence may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
