Duane Demaree

Duane Demaree, 87, of Benham passed away at 8:45 a.m., Friday, April 18, 2025 at the St. Elizabeth Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. He was born in Benham on September 27, 1937, the son of Dilver and Jeanette Bliton Demaree. Survivors include three sons Greg (Jennifer Bode), Michael, and Todd (Julie) Demaree all of Benham; two granddaughters Emma and Zoey; his brother Wes Demaree of Rexville and his sister Myrna Grimes of Dillsboro. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Verland, Tim, and Howard Demaree.

Mr. Demaree was a 1955 graduate of Cross Plains High School. He served in the US Army and after returning home tried out for and was called into the Cincinnati Reds farm system, but opted not to go. Duane drove a bus for the South Ripley Schools for 25 years and was a full-time farmer. He enjoyed ginseng and mushroom hunting and taking drives.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 22 at 12 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Tim Heim of the Shelby Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will also be on Tuesday beginning at 10 a.m.

Memorials may be given to the Benham United Methodist Church or the Old Benham Cemetery in care of the funeral home.