Duane Carter Wilson, 86, of Dunnville, KY went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 15, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 4, 1938 in Ottawa to Edward and Violet Wilson.
Duane grew up working hard for his family. After graduating from Ottawa High School, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army beginning a life-long legacy of service, integrity, and hard work. Following his military service, Duane returned home to Ottawa and began his career driving trucks, first with Pepsi-Cola. He later became an independent semi-truck driver, a role he embraced for many years. Duane also owned and operated Ottawa Spring Corp where he built many relationships through his dedication and craftsmanship.
In his earlier years, Duane’s happiest moments were spent out doors and surrounded by his family. He loved his fishing trips to Canada with family and friends; singing in church, and enjoying fun outings such as whiffle ball games, roller skating, and bowling. He sang in a quartet, and they traveled all around Illinois singing for the Lord. Duane loved sharing music with others, taking his family once a month to nursing homes to brighten the resident’s day. He treasured every moment spent listening to his children sing in these family concerts. Duane had a generous and compassionate heart for children, as he served as a foster father of many children. He opened his home giving them a safe and loving place to stay. After moving to Kentucky in 1995, he retired to enjoy the lake, boating, fishing, traveling, and mission work. He loved to road trip, always back roads, discovering our beautiful USA that he loved so much. Duane adored watching his grandchildren grow up in Kentucky on his little farm.
SURVIVORS:
His devoted wife: Rhonda Wilson
1 daughter: Katie (Greg) Rodgers
3 grandchildren: Izabella, Blayden, and Bristol Wheeler
His former wife: Sandra Wilson & their 4 children: Brenda (Mike-Benny) Beneturski, Michael (Candy) Wilson, Mark (Angie) Wilson, and Cheryl (Tracy) Hanson: along with 11 grandchildren: Carter (Ellie) and Collin Beneturski, Brandon, Bailey, and Kelsey Wilson, Mallory (Tyler) Gilliland, Hayley (Jacob) Tomera, Luke and Aidan Hanson
2 great-grandchildren: Zion and Tilly Gilliland
1 son: Ron Caise & 2 grandchildren: Rachael Caise and Alexis (Max) Conolin
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers: Bill and Leo Wilson; one sister, Edith; father-in-law, Donald Robb; and daughter-in-law, Julia Caise.
A scripture close to Duane’s heart was Psalm 23. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” We will miss him dearly, but we find peace knowing he is finally at rest. His love, his strength, and his bold faith will live on in all of us.
A gathering of family and friends will be on Sunday, December 7, 2025 beginning at 3:00 P.M. with a Celebration of Duane’s Life beginning at 4:00 P.M. at Great Oaks Ministries with Pastor Troy Long officiating. The church is located at 185 Dry Creek Road, Columbia, KY 42728
Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
