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Denis Gene Duzan, age 71, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 20, 2025 — exactly where he wanted to be. Denis was born on September 21, 1953, in Mattoon, Illinois.
Known to many as Denny, he attended school in Charleston and eventually settled in the Oakland area as a young adult. One of his proudest accomplishments was operating Ohio Express, his trucking and fertilizer business. He also loved farming and spent many years helping his father and friends on their farms. Though he worked with backhoes and heavy equipment throughout his life, Denny found his greatest joy in construction work alongside his lifelong friends and brothers, Chuck and Larry Taylor. For more than 50 years, wherever Denny went, one or both Taylor boys were often nearby.
Denny’s life was transformed when he met his soulmate and the love of his life, Deborah (Carr) Duzan — lovingly called Deb, Ruby, or Reba. They were married on January 5, 1992, at the Inn on the Square in Oakland. For 33 years, Denny was sustained by Deb’s unwavering love, care, and nurturing. She survives him.
Denny was most widely known for his music and his deep connection to his guitar. For 25 years, he played with the band Family Tradition, alongside his sister Donna and the Taylor boys. A highlight of his music career was traveling to Flora, IL. to record an album, which included a track he authored. Yet his greatest musical joy came when he and Deb formed Runnin’ on Empty after they married. With Deb as the lead vocalist, and joined by his close friends Tim Bodle, Brad McCollum, Steve Kemper, and the Taylor boys, they made music — and memories — for another 20 years. Their home became a welcoming gathering place for friends and family, filled with music, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Denny had a deep love for all things country-western and spent much of his free time watching John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Chuck Norris films. When he was not making music, you could find him enjoying these classics. His trademark black cowboy hat and vest reflected his appreciation for the simpler things in life, and the way in which he lived.
Denny is survived by three loving daughters: Crystal (Gregg) Baker of Oakland, IL; Kimberly (Chad) Dudley of Brocton, IL, and Jesse (Jason) Olinger of Oakland, IL; Also surviving is his twin brother, David “Brother Dave” Duzan, of Oakland, IL; and eleven grandchildren: Michael (Maggie) Hawkins, Quintinn (Annaleisse) Eastin, Olivia (Sean) Baker, Keilan Baker, Madelynn (Mason) Hutchinson, Bella Dudley, Coltin, Abbygail, Allyssa, and Maryjane Vaughn; as well as six great grandchildren, with one more on the way. Lifelong friend and confidant, JR Satterfield; many nephews and nieces, that he also enjoyed; and many, many friends he considered family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Helen Duzan; two brothers, Darrell Duzan and Dwayne (LuAnn) Duzan; one sister, Donna (Terry) Akers; and a beloved friend and brother, Tim Bodle.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Krabel Funeral Home in Oakland, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to his widow, Deb Duzan, in honor of his memory.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Denis Gene Duzan, visit the Tribute Store.
25
Apr
215 E. Main Street
Oakland, IL 61943
25
Apr
215 E. Main Street
Oakland, IL 61943
N Cemetery Road
Oakland, IL 61943
Krabel Funeral Home & Cremation Service
215 E. Main St., Oakland, IL 61943 • Phone: (217) 346-2121
602 E. Madison Ave., Chrisman, IL 61924 • Phone: (217) 269-2392
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