Putnam County’s 2007 Homecoming Grand Marshal is honest, reliable, diligent, loyal and modest.  Because he has an esteemed reputation for quietly accepting responsibility and rejecting credit, few people really know how much of an impact he has made in our school and community.

            Born and raised in tiny Williams, Iowa, over seven decades ago, Duane Behrens embodies the best of rural America.  Following high school graduation, he met Shirla Mardick from nearby Iowa Falls.

            Married on December 17, 1955, they became parents of Randy, Rhonda, Rita, and twins, Rob and Rachelle. 

            In the spring of 1964, the family moved to Unionville where Duane continued his construction occupation.  The family moved to Kirksville in 1969, so Shirla could attend Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University).

            They returned to Unionville in 1976, and Shirla was hired by Putnam County R-l Schools to be a librarian.  Because she loved reading books, she was ideally suited for the position.  Her cheerful disposition and friendly smile touched many young lives, and she was highly respected by everyone.  While his wife was educating young Midgets, Duane proceeded to earn an admirable reputation in construction.  Their younger children attended the Unionville schools.

            When Kay and I leased the Lake Thunderhead Marina for three years in 1982, we contracted Duane to build a dock for use by boaters using the marina and a patio west of what was then a small building.  The dock still stands. In 1985, the Lake Thunderhead Association enclosed the patio and made it a dining room.  Folks who dine in that far west room are sitting under the roof that Duane built.

            As the years passed, Duane became an avid Midget fan of all boy and girl sports.  He, and often Shirla, were permanent fixtures in the stands.  His kids collectively say, “Dad sure loves those Midgets!”

            When he’s not watching his beloved Midgets, his recreational hours are spent hunting, fishing, playing cards, traveling, and spending time with family.  A member of the National Rifle Association, he is an intense supporter of our people’s Right to Bear Arms.  But when it comes to hunting and fishing, he is a true sportsman.

            Duane became a charter member of the Unionville Lions Club in 1987, and he’s consistently put his heart and            soul into the club’s many activities.  After the fledging club gained custody of the existing Lions Building in the City Park for Monday night bingo games, his construction expertise directed fellow Lions in remodeling the building.

            A few years later, he again was called upon to guide volunteer Lions in replacing a dilapidated shelter in the City Park with a beautiful Lions Shelter.  It now serves as the community’s farmer’s market and is used for many gatherings.  During the Putnam County Fair, bingo is held there.

            In addition to his being the “fix it guy” when the club needs a construction master, Duane also serves in several other capacities that benefit our community.  He was bingo caller on Monday nights for twelve consecutive years, a record that will probably never be broken.  He also calls at the Lucerne and Putnam County Fairs.

            Supporting and encouraging our youth has always been the main purpose of the Lions Club.  In that regard, Duane is the first to help our youth.  In 1987, the club began a tradition of supporting deserving football players who were selected to play in the Missouri Lions All-Star Football Classic each summer.  Through all those years, he has devoted countless hours selling advertisements to local citizens to get our players there.  And when Midget band members were picked to be members of the Missouri All-Star Band, he did the same for them.

            Duane and Shirla were inseparable.  If you saw one, the other was usually nearby.  That commitment to each other naturally led to Duane’s convincing Shirla to be the first female to become a member of the all-male Lions Club.  Daughter Rita soon followed.

            When Wally and Bev Sutton moved to Midget Country, Duane and Shirla were the first citizens to welcome them.  “We found them to be friendly and kind,” Wally says.  “Duane was helpful in getting my Lions membership transferred.   As the years passed, we realized how much hard work Duane put into our community and school.”

            Recalling Duane’s steadfast devotion to youth, Wally adds, “Duane consistently helps with the After Prom parties.  I don’t think he’s missed a year.”  After she became a member of Lions, Shirla was there, too.

            On November 30, 2004, just a few days shy of their 49th wedding anniversary, Shirla passed away.  Though she had suffered from cancer for several years, that smile and indomitable spirit never left her.  During her illness, I remember her bringing delicious refreshments to several of us who were painting the inside of the Lions Club.

            Wherever the Midgets are playing their football games, Duane is easy to find.  One can usually spot him near the top of the bleachers on the Midget side with his three cohorts, Max McKay, Sam Neighbors and Gary Davis.  Known as the “Fearsome Foursome”, the four also attend the Missouri Lions All-Star Football Classic each summer.

            Gary Davis, who is not shy when it comes to making wisecrack remarks, says of his traveling buddy, “Duane’s a diehard Midget fan, but I wish he’d keep his mind more focused on Missouri.  He’s an Iowa Hawkeye fan!”

            A few years ago, Duane sort of retired.  But like many from his generation, he couldn’t quit entirely.  He continues to do part-time construction work.  Also, using his exceptional carpentry skills, he has made many beautiful wood pieces for his family to enjoy in their homes.

            Besides remaining extremely active in the Lions Club, he serves on the Unionville Special Road District and Unionville Park Board.  He is especially proud of his children and visits them often.

            Randy is the fire chief in Kirksville.  He and his wife, Shelly, have four children.  Rhonda is a school teacher in Brookfield.  She and her husband, John McKenzie, have two children.  Rita is assistant vice president of the Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri in Unionville.  Married to Kenny Ingersoll, they have two children.  Of the twins, Rachelle and her husband, Nick Peyton, and two children live in Illinois.  Rob followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in construction.  He lives in Unionville and has a son.  Duane occasionally helps Rob.

            Eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren keep “Papa” Behrens busy.  Young Jaren Ingersoll and “Papa” share a birthday…70 years apart.

            A humble man, Duane has done more for our community and school than most people ever dreamed of doing.  Being our 2007 Homecoming Grand Marshal is an honor he richly deserves.  I speak for our community when I say, “THANK YOU, DUANE!