Duane Jabben

Duane Lee Jabben, 57, passed away May 29, 2020 in Independence, Kansas. A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 10 am at the Zion Lutheran Church in Independence. The family will be receiving visitors on June 5, 2020 from 4-6 pm at Zion Lutheran Church. Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or Cherryvale FFA and can be left with Potts Chapel. A book signing will be available at Potts Chapel, Wednesday-Friday 9-5pm.

Duane was born on September 28, 1962 in Independence, Kansas to Arnold and Barabara Jabben. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1979. After graduating high school in Cherryvale, Kansas, May 1980, Duane went to Boot Camp in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He then attended college at Pittsburg State University where he joined ROTC and obtained a Bachelor’s degree. Duane was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army National Guard in June 1982. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in May 1985 and Captain in September 1988. Duane served as Commander of the Company B 891st Engineer Battalion from December 1987 to October 1989.

Duane married Toni (Mott) Jabben on November 26, 1988 in Cherryvale, Kansas. They raised three children, Jake (29), Emily (26), and Hannah (18). In Duane’s spare time he enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his co-pilot on his motorcycle for therapy rides. He also enjoyed mowing and spending time with his family. Duane was an avid member of Zion Lutheran Church in Independence and was a lifetime member of the Cherryvale FFA.

Duane is survived by his wife Toni, his three children, Jake, Emily, and Hannah, his mother Barbara Jabben of Independence, KS, his brother Curt Jabben (Kari Jabben) of Heath, TX, his sister Janet Collins (Bill Collins) of Parsons, KS, his sister Susie Kudrick of Altamont, KS, his sister Diane Gibson (Larry Gibson) of Cherryvale, KS, nieces and nephews, and many extended family members. He was loved by all. Duane was preceded in death by his father Arnold Jabben and his grandparents.