Curtis Duane Duncan

Curtis Duncan, 69, of Goodland, Kansas passed away at home on Friday, July 12, 2024. He left behind a legacy of exceptional service to the community and broadcasting.

Curtis was born on June 26, 1954 to Duane and Doris Duncan in Olathe, KS. At the age of 9, he watched two broadcasters from KOFO in Ottawa cover their local county fair, sharing interviews, 4-H results, and information about fair events. He knew immediately that this was what he wanted to do and took the initiative to contact these men. As a result, he was on the air with them live later that same afternoon, helping to cover the fair. His first talent fee was 2 cartons of chocolate milk. This marked the beginning of what would become a remarkable union of broadcasting and community service that would span the past 6 decades.

Curtis made many stops in his early broadcasting days… Ottawa, Topeka, Montgomery City Missouri, Leonardtown Maryland, Columbus Mississippi… and even a 4 year TV news anchor in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. There he was called “the poor man’s Willard Scott”. In the mid 90’s Curtis moved to northwest Kansas and became the morning show host for KXXX-AM. After two years in Colby he was hired by KLOE/KKCI radio in Goodland where he proudly and enthusiastically remained until his passing.

Curtis was the quintessential community announcer. His listeners relied on him for extensive weather coverage, on calm days as well as stormy ones. He was known to camp out on a cot at the radio station for days, just a few steps from the microphone, so he could relay the latest information. He was considered so important to the area that the National Guard made it a priority to get him to the station during winter storms when the roads were impassable.

Curtis’ dedication to the community extended beyond the airwaves. His passion for storytelling and genuine interest in the lives of those he served made him an indispensable pillar of the community. He was seen at nearly every school concert from elementary through high school. The Goodland Auditorium even had a permanent seat reserved for him (3rd row aisle seat). He was a regular at county fairs, service organization fundraisers, ribbon cuttings, and countless other community events. He was always armed with his trusty recorder so he could share highlights of those events with his fiercely loyal listeners during his popular “Good Neighbor Hour” on the KLOE morning show. Curtis served as chairman of the board of directors for the Sherman County Red Cross, was a board member of Goodland United Methodist Church, and was active in the local VFW, American Legion, and numerous other service organizations. In 2019, the Kansas Association of Broadcasters honored him with the “Sonny Slater Award” for his service to the station and the community.

Curtis is survived by his daughter Malia (Mike) Brand of Overland Park, KS, his granddaughter Vega Mercer (whom he proudly announced to radio listeners in 2007), his sisters Glenda Kramer, Gloria Ware and brother Phillip Duncan. He is preceded in death by his parents Duane and Doris Duncan and his sister Eileen Duncan.

Curtis’ family has been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and sentiment from the community for him since his passing. They invite the community to join them in a celebration of Curtis’ life on Friday, August 2nd at 10:45am MT at the United Methodist Church in Goodland, KS with Pastor Younghwan Won officiating. The family encourages attendees to wear their favorite color with the same joy that Curtis brought to his Hawaiian shirts. For those unable to attend in person, NWKS will broadcast the services live on station 730 KLOE and online at NWKSradio.net/KLOE.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Northwest Kansas Animal Shelter and left at the service or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.