Orbrian Duane Ellason was born on November 4, 1934, and went home to Heaven on December 9, 2022. Duane was born in Sayre, Oklahoma to Marvin and Leon Ellason.

The Ellason's moved to Dallas when Duane was two years old. He grew up in Dallas' Oak Cliff and went to Rosemont Elementary, Greiner Jr. High, and Sunset High School alongside his love and companion, Jane Cruse. Duane and Jane were married on February 6, 1954, and remained so until her death on June 27, 2022. United in marriage for 68 years and having dated for some five years prior, they were together 73 years. Separated for almost six months — they are reunited once again in heaven.

After graduating from Sunset in 1952, Duane was a student at the University of Texas at Arlington where he studied radio and broadcast production before joining the army. From 1954-56, Duane was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso. He spoke with great pride of his time in the military and felt his duty was important. As young newlyweds, Duane and Jane enjoyed their time in El Paso before returning home to Dallas.

He was a natural born salesman where he worked at Saladmaster, 3M, Modern Olds, as well as other car and boat dealerships. He dabbled in ventures of his own, Janco Janitorial and others, always aspiring to make his mark. Duane, being the salesman he was, had the gift of gab. He never met a stranger. He made a friend everywhere he went by offering a quick word or a funny line always exhorting his newfound friends to make tomorrow better.

Together, Duane and Jane raised a family; took family road trips to Colorado, Disneyland, and points all over the South; and built a home along the way. Duane loved reading maps, planning trips, and finding those off the beaten path restaurants. His love for travel planning seems to have rubbed off on his children in different ways.

Duane was blessed with many friends through the years from school days, church, and from years spent at Lake Fork. He reminisced about many of those friends from days gone by and still connected with a few friends from time to time. Duane and Jane met Ray and Alice Boler in 1973. For 49 years they shared a very special bond — one that will never be broken. Pete and Lee Baron also held such a sweet place in Duane and Jane's heart…friends for a lifetime.

Duane would tell stories about the army, work, and travels, but his greatest stories and achievements would lie with his family. Duane is survived by his son, Steve and wife, Linda; his son, Ray and wife, Tammi; his daughter, Leslie and husband, Randy. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Chris and wife, Amy; Lindsay and husband, Dustin; Nikki and boyfriend, Dre; Emily, Hannah and Sydney; and his great-grandchildren, Ella, Everly and Hadley.


In the words of that great American spokesman…we love you, Daddy.