Duane James Faulkner

Duane J. Faulkner, 80, of El Reno, Oklahoma, went to be with the Lord on January 2, 2026. He was born in Montezuma, Kansas, and raised in Ensign, Kansas, by his parents, Donald and Margaret (Kincaid) Faulkner. Growing up on a Kansas wheat farm, the values of hard work were deeply instilled in him.

Duane was proud that he put himself through high school at Saint Mary's of the Plains by working for Stauffer Cycle in Dodge City, Kansas. His "need for speed" grew from his passion for motorcycles and the competitions he entered while working at Stauffer's. After high school, he managed a large paper route in Kansas City and obtained his private pilot's license. Duane's professional career began with the Kansas City Power and Light Company as a draftsman and later continued with the AT & SF Railroad in 1965. He started as a chainman and quickly moved up through various positions to become a draftsman and assistant engineer.

Duane's adventures in Oklahoma began in 1972 when he purchased his first semi-truck and became an owner operator for National Carriers. As a proud member of the "Elite Fleet," many tall tales were told over the years from his weekly coast to coast drives. While still trucking, the ever present entrepreneur in Duane led him to open two laundromats in Oklahoma City, as well as a Neptune's sandwich shop.

In 1979, Western Construction was born. Duane started with just himself and a box blade tractor, leveling pads for local builders. A perfectionist by nature, the demand for his work grew quickly, and soon he had a concrete crew working for him. As his ambition grew, so did the scope of his projects, and he became an industry leader in concrete, commercial construction, and steel buildings.

In his free time, he enjoyed working on his farm in El Reno, where he maintained a large garden for many years, farmed wheat, and raised ostriches for a time, along with turkeys, cattle, and later his prized peacocks.

Duane loved his Honda Goldwing. On his motorcycle, he attended major rallies at Sturgis and Daytona several times. Along the way, he discovered many hidden gems, with Bishop's Castle standing out as one of his favorites. Traveling the country was something he truly enjoyed, and earning Iron Butt awards was one of his fun and proud accomplishments.  Always a creator, Duane built a Christmas parade float featuring his Goldwing, which showcased his creativity and craftsmanship. The float was a crowd favorite and won first place in several holiday events.

Duane is survived by his children, Debra (Bob) Akridge, Deann (Tim) Lowery, and Don (Amy) Faulkner. He was dearly loved by his grandchildren, Ryan (Sara) Akridge, Reagan Akridge, Chariti (Luke) Scott, Isabella, Dalton, Delilah, Daisy, and Deacon Faulkner, as well as his great grandchild, Crew.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026 at Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel, Yukon, OK.