Duane P. Befort, 89, of North Platte, passed away April 8, 2019 at Centennial Park Retirement Village.  Duane was born February 22, 1930 to Albert and Florine (Drieling) Befort in Weskan, KS.  Duane was raised in Sharon Springs, KS, where he graduated from Wallace County High School in May of 1947.

Duane joined the Army in December 1950, serving in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953 with the 7 ^th division 48 ^th field artillery battalion, retiring from the US Army Reserve in 1988.

Duane had four children from a previous marriage and was a wonderful father to them.  In July of 1967, he married the love of his life, Beverly (Johnston) McCormick, who brought three children from or previous marriage.  This is when they started a lifelong journey with seven kids and two loving parents.

After retirement, Duane and his loving wife, Beverly loved traveling in their motor-home; he also enjoyed working around the house and taking care of his yard.

Duane and Beverly are members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and both feel strongly about their faith.

Duane is survived by his loving wife, Beverly; sons, Rex of Cheyenne, WY, Mark (Tammy) of Sharon Springs, KS, Michael McCormick of Kearney and Randy McCormick of Locust Grove, OK; daughters, Joni (Charles) Turk and Michelle (Lester Seibert) Collins all of Sharon Springs, KS; granddaughter, Molly (Brandon) Freeze, who have been so helpful in caring for her grandpa and grandma; brother, Edwin (Ardell) Befort; sister, Judy (Robert) Bedford all of North Platte; sisters-in-law, Delores Befort, Maxine Brittenham, Pat (Ed) Weichel, and June Wolf; brother-in-law, Ed Johnston; 22  grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 10 great great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ron, Don, Jackie and Oliver; sister, Veleria Cooper; son, David McCormick; grandsons, Chad, Charles "Chucky", and David "Dusty" Turk.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com .  Memorials are established in Duane's name to the Callahan Cancer Center and St. Patrick's Catholic Church.  Cremation was chosen.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16,  at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as celebrant.  Inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors by the North Platte Veterans organizations. Those wishing to sign Duane's memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.