Duane was born on August 30, 1935, the 6th of 7 children born to Raymond and Ida Goodnight in Rush Springs, Oklahoma. He moved to Texas and married Dorothy Ann Harris in Lubbock, Texas on February 7, 1953. They were married for 67 years until her passing in 2020. They raised two daughters, Debra and Dana. Duane was a Cowboy to the core. He was rarely seen in anything other than boots, jeans, a long sleeve pearl snap shirt, and a Stetson hat. In his younger years he loved to ride Brahma bulls. Duane taught himself to play the guitar, build houses, and weld. He was known for welding well crafted BBQ pits and smokers. Duane was a hard worker and had a passion for law enforcement. He worked for the Early Police Department as a reserve officer as well as the Brown County Water District, Brown County Sheriff’s Department and Texas Department of Transportation in Brownwood, Abilene and Austin. After retiring from TxDOT with 25 years of service, Dorothy & Duane purchased land in Owens, built their home and Pa’s shop, and enjoyed life on the Goodnight farm. Duane became bored quickly and went back to work for the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, a job he loved with friends he cherished. He retired from the Sheriff’s Department after 8 years of service. Duane was a member of the Salt Creek Baptist church and Brownwood Masonic Lodge #279.
He is survived by his daughters and son Debra and Robert Stewart of Early, and Dana Bailey of Early; granddaughter Angie and husband Codie Smith of Brownwood, grandson Dr. Ryan A. Stewart of Dallas, granddaughter Jordan and husband Matthew Tyler of Bridgeport; great grandchildren Cate and Evan Smith of Brownwood and Emma Tyler of Bridgeport; sister Jean Locke of Lubbock; brother & best friend Raymond Goodnight of Somerville as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy, grandson Jared Bailey, sisters Gertrude Gouge, Margarete Galyon, Roberta Nichols, and brother Sonny Goodnight.
Special thanks to Songbird Rehab and Ted, CMS Home Health and his favorite girls Vicki and Cheyenne, Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood, Hendrick Medical Center Abilene, and Hendrick Hospice for taking such good care of our cowboy.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Salt Creek Baptist Church or Early Fire Department.
Graveside services will be at 10:00 AM, Monday, February 20, 2023, in the May Cemetery under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home.