Colfax – Russell Duane Cooper, 71, of Colfax, passed away Saturday May 5, 2012 surrounded by his family at his residence.

Duane’s funeral will be at 10:00am, Friday, May 11, 2012 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax. Pastor Wendell Wardell will be officiating.

Burial will be in Bellflower Township Cemetery, Bellflower.

Visitation will be held from 4-8:00pm, Thursday, May 10, 2012 also at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to the Community Cancer Center in Normal, Eastern McLean County Ambulance Association and the Colfax United Methodist Church.

Duane was born July 19, 1940 at home 2 ½ miles north of Bellflower the son of Russell and Esta Smith Cooper.

He graduated from Bellflower Township High School in 1958 and attended Southern Illinois University.

He married Nancy Jo King, she survives, August 19, 1962 and loved introducing her as his first wife. Nancy and Duane would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August

Duane is survived by his children Marci Jo Cooper of Colfax, Ritchie Duane (Carole) Cooper of Colfax; eight grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, his sister Phebe (John) Galaway, Farmer City and several nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mlee Ruch and brother-in-law Merle Ruch with whom he considered his brother.

Duane started in the banking business at Peoples State Bank in Mansfield, Illinois. Duane then went on to become the President of Anchor State bank and also President of People State Bank of Colfax.

Duane left the banking business and started his own Real Estate business along with insurance.

Duane always continued to educate himself and then became the Administrator of Octavia Manor in Colfax. Duane then was the Administrator of Gibson City Hospital Annex in Gibson City retiring in 2009. Duane also served on many boards throughout his life including the Village Board in Mansfield.

Duane was the Assistant Chief of the Northern Piatt County Fire Department and currently served as the Tax Assessor for Blue Mound and Martin Township.

Duane was also a member of the Colfax Methodist Church.

Duane loved working in his wood working shop making many beautiful pieces for people all around. Loved working in his garden, watching his birds and squirrels he fed, watching horse racing, especially the Kentucky Derby, and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Duane was a man who did not judge people and looked for the good in everyone.

The family would like to thank the Community Cancer Center staff, Dr. Sriratana, Dr. McCrisken, Dr. Chu and the nurses of Advocate Home health care and Hospice for giving Duane wonderful care during his battle with Heart Disease and Lung Cancer.

He touched so many lives and will greatly missed by all.

HE REALLY HASN’T GONE AWAY HE’S REALLY WITH ME IN THE SUMMER SUN HE’S HERE, WHEN THE SKIES ARE GRAY HIS MOON BEAMS KISS MY CHEEKS EACH NIGHT HE REALLY HASN’T GONE AWAY THE BRIGHTEST CANDLE IN THE SKY LIKE A DIAMOND, TWINKLING FROM AFAR HE IS MY LITTLE GUIDING LIGHT, MY MORNING AND MY EVENING STAR