Duane Throne

Duane Harold Throne, Carlisle, a devoted husband, loving father, and great friend to many, passed away on January 25, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. He was born on January 17, 1938, and recently celebrated his 86th birthday at home with his family. Duane is survived by his wife Dorothy (Alexander) of 66 years, and his children, Betsy Nixon (Gary), Roanoke, VA; Jody Hafner (CJ), Carlisle, PA;  and Eric (Inga), State College, PA. He was predeceased by his son Greg. He has 9 grandchildren: Sarah, John, Matt, and Marissa (Jay Hornaday) Nixon, Jeremy and Jamie Hafner, and Annika, Alec, and Adam Throne. Born in Plainfield to Harold and Romaine (Warner) Throne, he was one of three siblings. His sister Donna Miller (Ken) survives him, and he is predeceased by his brother Rodney.

Duane was a lifelong member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Plainfield, and the Plainfield Gun Club. At an early age, he found he had a talent for baseball, and was well known around the area, often playing in adult leagues as a teen. Later, he coached for Newville Little League. He graduated from Carlisle High School, did construction work, and then worked at C. H. Masland & Sons for his entire career, retiring in 2000. In addition, he did electrical work on his own time, and family and friends often found him fixing something to help them out. With his father, he built the house he lived in his entire adult life. His favorite hobbies were golfing, watching Penn State and Big Spring sports, and being out in the woods and at the farm with his nephew, Terry.

Duane loved to have fun. In the last few months of his life, family, friends, former co-workers, and golf and hunting buddies came to visit. Everyone had a funny story to share, including lots of stories about pranks. If there were shenanigans happening, he was often part of it. People remembered those times with him fondly, and he cherished those visits and reminiscing with so many people the last few months. He enjoyed puttering outdoors in his shed and garden, and was always up for new adventures. He loved playing board games with the grandkids or hearing about their stories and travels as they grew up and started their own adventures. 

He will be remembered fondly by his family, friends, and everyone he touched during his life. Duane asked for a sign on his casket that read, “This is not a sad day, this is a happy day. I am in a better place. I am going home.” We are all better for having had him in our lives.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 4 to 6 pm and again Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 9:30 to 11 am at Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, Ltd., 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, followed by his funeral service at 11 am. Interment will follow the service in Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens, Carlisle.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Penn State Thon, which benefits Four Diamonds, Penn State Children’s Hospital, with a mission of conquering childhood cancer. To donate online, click here, or mail a check to Penn State THON, 227D HUB, University Park, PA 16802.