Duane Leland Wilson

Duane Wilson
Richfield, Utah

     Duane Leland Wilson, a man of great integrity and service, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the age of 92, surrounded by his loving family. Duane dedicated over 40 years of service to the Utah National Guard, retiring as the Command Sergeant Major for the State of Utah. His legacy as a servant leader was built over decades, beginning in A-Battery, 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery in Richfield, where he served as the First Sergeant. Duane was known for his dedication to his family, community, state, and country—roles he embraced with honor and responsibility throughout his life. 
     Duane was born in Richfield on February 22, 1933, to Leland and Berta Wilson. Duane was the second oldest of six children. When his sister, Beverly Jean Lewis, tragically passed away at the age of twelve, Duane became the oldest of the remaining siblings. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Gerry Jack Wilson, John Earl Wilson, Donald Gibbs Wilson, Donna (Sally) Margaret Wilson, and Merry Lee Walker. Duane grew up on a farm along the Glenwood Road in a small two-bedroom home built by his grandfather in early Mormon settlement known as “Prattville.” The Wilson family spent many years herding sheep and hunting in the mountains west of Richfield, creating memories that Duane cherished his entire life. He graduated from Richfield High School in 1951 and joined the local Army National Guard unit, which led to his first assignment at Ft. Ord, California. Together with the love of his life, Tex Conder, they began a journey full of adventure, love, and service. 
     Duane and Tex were married for 64 years, tying the knot on February 23, 1953, in the Manti Utah Temple. Tex passed away on September 19, 2017, but their life together remains a cornerstone of Duane’s story. Duane and Tex had three children: Kip (deceased) and Fjola Wilson, Santaquin, Utah; Patrick and Brenda Wilson, Buffalo, New York; and Jodie and Duane Lundell, Benjamin, Utah. Kip, born in Ft. Ord, California, passed away on November 1, 2014. Duane’s stories of childhood adventures, family hunting trips, horse rides, and mountain treks — first as a child and later with his own kids and grandkids — will forever be a cherished part of his family’s legacy. One memorable hunting trip even uncovered Duane’s initials carved into a tree from the 1940s, a testament to his lifelong love for the mountains and the family traditions they helped shape. 
     Duane and Tex were blessed with 12 grandchildren: Kenzie Gordon, Kelli Manning, Jeremy Wilson, Rebecca Christiansen, Megan Birkes, Joshua Wilson, Rachel Workman, Jace Wilson, Jordan Lundell, Jared Wilson, Justin Lundell (deceased), and Jackson Lundell. They also have 32 great-grandchildren. Duane and Tex attended countless ballgames, dance recitals, and other activities to cheer on their grandchildren. Their Easter egg hunts and extravagant Halloween parties at the family cabin in Prattville will be fondly remembered by all. 
     Throughout his life, Duane was committed to helping others. He served as a member of the Richfield City Council, an honorary Richfield City Fireman and was an active participant in the Richfield High School booster club. Duane also dedicated many years to mentoring young people, serving as a Boy Scout leader, coach, and guide for youth in the community. His passion for supporting youth was evident in his role as a coach for various sports and activities, including running the Bantam basketball program at the National Guard armory, where he worked full-time. Duane played a key role in Richfield’s centennial celebration, even riding in a covered wagon from Manti to Richfield to mark the occasion. He was a strong advocate for troubled youth, helping many find direction by encouraging them to join the military. Duane also ran the hunter safety program for young adults for many years and later served as president of the Senior Citizen Center. No matter the circumstance, when someone needed help, family, friend or community, Duane was there. 
     Duane was well-known for his mutton fry’s, a tradition that began in his family home in Prattville and later continued at his cabin near Daniels Canyon in Koosharem. Whether it was tender Dutch oven mutton, beans, scones, or just good company, Duane’s gatherings were filled with laughter, storytelling, and cherished memories. His hospitality and love for family and friends shone through in every meal he prepared. 
      Duane had a deep affection for the simple things in life, from old horses and tractors to bolo ties. He loved pulling his grandkids behind a tractor or 4-wheeler in a bathtub or creating makeshift carnival rides using a cooler hooked to the horse walker. A true craftsman, Duane was a master of horse-shoe sculptures, each piece reflecting his creativity and his love for the rugged life he led. He had a quirky fondness for candies that reminded him of his childhood, like orange peanuts, and later earned the affectionate nickname “Gummy Bear Grandpa.” His pockets were always filled with baggies of gummy bears, which he eagerly shared with his grandkids and kids at church. Though he could be surly at times—earning him the nickname “Whip” in the military — those who knew Duane understood that beneath his tough exterior was a fiercely loyal friend full of love and compassion. He was always there to have your back and was the first to volunteer when others needed help. 
     Duane’s legacy is one of service, strength, and love. His humorous remarks, stubbornness, and gruff yet caring nature became his trademarks. This remarkable man’s life was defined by hard work, quiet humility, and his unwavering love for his family and community. 
     He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and loved ones, but his legacy will live on in his family and in those he served.
     Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. in the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield. Viewing will be from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery with military honors by the V.F.W. Sevier Post #5050 and Utah Honor Guard. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com