Kenneth Duane Bissitt, 82, of Holton, KS, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at The Pines South. He was born September 1, 1942 in Dodge City, KS, the son of Kenneth Alfred and Nelle Faye Dowdy Bissitt. Duane- father passed away when he was 5 years old; his step-father, Claude Taylor, also raised him.

Duane graduated from Greensburg High School, earned his BS at Ottawa University and his MA at Emporia State University in 1976.

He was a teacher and coached basketball, track and football in Halstead, KS. He was a Biology Teacher, Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Coach for football and track at Holton High School. He was also a Biology Teacher for Highland Community College.

Duane was a member of First Baptist Church in Holton and Kansas Coaches Association. He was inducted in the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame at Ottawa University for football, basketball and track from 1961 - 1965.

He married Janet Grogan on August 22, 1964 in Clay Center, KS. They celebrated over 60 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife, Jan of the home; son, Derek Bissitt (Kathy) of Holton, KS; step-sister, Nancy McVay (Dee) of Blue Eye, MO; step-brother, Steve Taylor of Greensburg, KS; 3 grandchildren, Baron Bissitt, Brielle Rice (Joe) and Beau Bissitt (Katie) and 7 great-grandchildren, Grant, Gavin and Gatlin Rice and Hadley, Nora, Brynlee and Zaylee Bissitt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Bissitt and Nelle Bissitt Taylor and his step-father, Claude Taylor.

Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 13, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Holton. Inurnment will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. Memorials may be given to the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame or First Baptist Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.