Duane Raymond Knox

Duane Raymond Knox was born on November 17, 1937. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on August 4, 2024, at his home at the age of 86. Duane was a genuine and kindhearted individual gifted with exceptional skills and talents he used to teach and mentor others. Selfless and modest in his ways, Duane devoted himself to being a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and friend, always doing what he could to support those around him. He embraced life and was greatly beloved for his loyalty, courageous spirit, determination, and strong will.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Genevieve Knox, sibling Sharon Smith, and wife Kay Knox. He is survived by his sister, Beverly Jones, wife, Sandy Knox, three sons and two stepdaughters: Kevin Knox, Mike Knox, and Darren Knox, Cherise Gerrish and Michelle Spencer. He leaves behind the legacy of 11-grandchildren and 7-great-grandchildren.

Duane was born in Ft. Collins, Colorado and grew up in Laporte, Colorado with his parents and two siblings, Beverly and Sharon. He spent his teenage years working as an apprentice to his father, who was a skilled craftsman and carpenter. He attended school in Laporte and was a decorated student-athlete at Cache La Poudre High School, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track. The Pirates were state champions in 1956 and Duane was selected to the All-State Team. Duane attended Trinidad State Jr. College his freshman year where he was All-Conference in football and wrestling. Prior to his sophomore year he transferred to Colorado State University (CSU) where he was a three-year football starter garnering All Conference Honors in 1960. One of the fond memories Duane shared with his sons was proposing to his future wife, Kay, underneath the goal post on the athletic field at CSU. They later married and moved to Castle Rock, Colorado.

Duane worked as a union carpenter during summers while attending Colorado State University on an athletic scholarship. Following his passion for drafting, wood-working, and construction, he graduated from CSU with a degree in industrial arts and began teaching electronics and industrial arts at Douglas County High School in 1962. In addition to teaching, Duane was an assistant football and wrestling coach. He later became the head wrestling coach and continued as an assistant in football. During his 15-year tenure as head wrestling coach, Duane compiled a 137W-22L-2T dual record with a six-year streak of 68W-2L while in the Centennial League. His teams won seven District Championships and were runner-up twice. In state competition one of his teams took second place, while his other teams went on to finish in the top-10 standings nine times. Overall, Duane coached 28 state placers and 10 state champions. He was honored in 1970 by the Colorado High School Coaches Association naming him AA Coach of the Year. Further accolades honoring his achievements followed, including induction into the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1994) and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Colorado Chapter (2018).

He returned to CSU to complete his master's degree in school administration and became a vice-principal at Douglas County High School. Later in his career he moved into the role of Director of Planning and Facilities for Douglas County School District (DCSD). He oversaw the development and construction of the second high school (Ponderosa High School) in DCSD which opened in 1983. He then became the Athletic Director/Assistant Principal at Ponderosa. His wife, Kay, also worked there as the assistant to the school principal. She passed away on July 19, 1988.

After a successful career of 32 years in education and coaching, Duane retired in 1993 and embarked on a new journey with his wife, Sandy, seeking out rare antiques for their new antique shop in Castle Rock while also immersing themselves in genealogy research. To support these endeavors, he and Sandy enjoyed traveling to learn more about his family heritage and to collect historical artifacts. Bringing family together for gatherings was always important to Duane. Throughout his life he provided tremendous support and guidance to help his loved ones navigate the challenges life presents. He cherished his time with people and embraced every moment to teach, mentor, and guide others to use their strengths to accomplish whatever they set out to do.

A private committal service will take place at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boulder, Colorado for his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the wrestling program at Douglas County High School or Ponderosa High School.