Duane Bissitt 1942-2024

Kenneth “Duane” Bissitt, 82, of Holton, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at The Pines South.

He was born Sept. 1, 1942, in Dodge City, the son of Kenneth Alfred and Nelle Faye Dowdy Bissitt. Duane’s father passed away when he was five years old; his stepfather, Claude Taylor, also raised him.

Duane graduated from Greensburg High School, then earned his bachelor of science degree at Ottawa University and his master of arts degree at Emporia State University in 1976.

He was a teacher and coached basketball, track and football in Halstead. He was a biology teacher, head basketball coach and assistant coach for football and track at Holton High School. He was also a biology teacher for Highland Community College.

Duane was a member of First Baptist Church in Holton and Kansas Coaches Association. He was inducted in the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame at Ottawa University for football, basketball and track from 1961 to 1965.

He married Janet Grogan on Aug. 22, 1964, in Clay Center. They celebrated more than 60 years of marriage. 

Survivors include his wife, Jan, of the home; a son, Derek Bissitt (Kathy) of Holton; a stepsister, Nancy McVay (Dee) of Blue Eye, Mo.; a stepbrother, Steve Taylor of Greensburg; three grandchildren, Baron Bissitt, Brielle Rice (Joe) and Beau Bissitt (Katie); and seven great-grandchildren, Grant, Gavin and Gatlin Rice and Hadley, Nora, Brynlee and Zaylee Bissitt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Bissitt and Nelle Bissitt Taylor; and his stepfather, Claude Taylor.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at First Baptist Church in Holton. Inurnment will follow in Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time.

Memorials may be given to the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame or First Baptist Church, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)