Duane Smith

Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one's gone; those we love can never be more than a thought apart; for as long as there is memory, they'll live on in the heart. Duane Elbert Smith was born on June 6, 1963, in Topeka, Kansas to his parents, James Rueben Johnson and Beverlee Ann Smith. He was the fourth child born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his brother, Michael and his sisters, Kimberly, Karla, Kerri and Jamie. He received his formal education in Topeka where he graduated from Washburn Rural High School. He furthered his education by attending Metro State College in Denver, Colorado. Duane accepted the Lord as his personal savior at a very early age and joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Topeka. He truly enjoyed the fellowship shared with his church family. Duane was a fun loving young man who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he enjoyed listening to music, watching sports, the Discovery and History Chanel, and spending quality time with family and friends. He truly loved the special moments shared with his nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was a loving and devoted son and shared many happy and memorable moments with his mother. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man. To know Duane was to love him. He is preceded in death by his father, James R. Johnson; a sister, Kimberly Bell; and his grandparents. Duane Elbert Smith departed this life on January 8, 2015, in Aurora, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his mother, Beverlee A. Kinmon of Denver; his brother, Michael J. Smith, Sr. of Topeka, Kansas; three sisters, Karla Smith, Kerri R. (George) Walton all of Topeka, KS and Jamie R. Williams of Denver; his lifelong friends, James Hildago of Denver and Jay Schellenberger of Topeka, KS and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins other relatives and many friends. A Letter to My Son When I got the call to get to the hospital right away, all I could do was to pray and ask God to spare your suffering and His will not mine be done. I would have traded places with you but it wasn't my time. My God calls the ones He wants and He doesn't make mistakes. He loaned you to me for 51 years and I'm thankful for that and count those years as Blessings. Seven years ago, I had to let your eldest sister go; now again, I have to let you go. I shall never forget you and I am happy we our time together. I love you son, and I will always cherish you. I console myself with the scripture; "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Rest in peace my son. I Love You, Mom

Visitation: 1/20/2015 at 11:00 AM - Zion Baptist Church - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 1/20/2015 at 1:00 PM - Zion Baptist Church - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 1/20/2015 at 2:30 PM - Pipkin Braswell Reception Center - 2428 Ogden Street, Denver, CO