PRESHO, SD – Duane Thomas, 91, of Presho passed away on Saturday, August 30th at Avera Maryhouse in Pierre. A celebration of life will be held on September 20, 2025 from 11:00am until 2:00pm at the Presho Fire Hall.

Duane Henry Thomas was born on October 14, 1934, in Tipton, Kansas, to Mike and Helen (Wagner) Thomas. He attended Catholic school in Tipton and graduated in 1953.

While still in high school, Duane met the love of his life, Helen Mae Brant, at a local dance. They were married on January 26, 1955, and two years later welcomed twins, Steve and Sonia, into their lives.

In 1954, Duane made his first trip to South Dakota in pursuit of greater opportunities and the dream of establishing a farm of his own. He began by renting and leasing and eventually purchased his first property north of Kennebec. He bought a home in town and soon moved Helen and the twins from Kansas to join him.

A born entrepreneur, Duane was always on the lookout for a bargain—whether it was land, cattle, or equipment. When his farming operation outgrew his Ford tractor and small sprayer, he went to flight school and bought his first spray plane for $4,500. After just one week of spraying in Kansas, he had paid off the plane—with “a little extra money” in his pocket. From there, he established Thomas Spraying, with his son Steve joining him in the air. Duane continued aerial spraying for nearly 35 years, purchasing several planes along the way. He and Helen enjoyed flying as a family to destinations such as Mexico, Florida, Texas, and Acapulco.

In the early 1970s, he spotted a piece of land in Presho with unpaid taxes. He purchased the 15 acres for $1,500 and built the family home there. Later, he acquired a feedlot south of Vivian, constructing it from the ground up. That feedlot remains the central hub of his farming legacy.

Duane will be remembered for his sharp wit, sense of humor, love of a good deal, and his deep connection to the land. He loved having breakfast at Hutch’s, catching up with the locals, and taking drives to the farm and through the countryside to check on crops and scope out any old treasures he could bring home to fix up.

He especially cherished time spent with his only grandson, Isaac, proudly mentoring him and celebrating his accomplishments. Duane’s bond with Isaac was one of his greatest joys.

Even at 90, Duane could be found on many 100-degree days, inside his old Case tractor, windows open for “air conditioning,” moving bales or driving his old loader—one that no one else dared to enter. Right up until his final days, Duane could be found climbing into some piece of old equipment, much to the concern of his family.

Duane is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Helen Mae (Brant); son Steve (Renee) Thomas; daughter Sonia (Kent) Aasby; and grandchildren Isaac Thomas and Anna Flitner. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Leon Thomas.

Arriving in South Dakota with just $450 in his pocket, Duane built a life defined by perseverance, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, he witnessed and adapted to tremendous change, but his love for the land and commitment to hard work never wavered.

For Duane, the land was more than a way to make a living—it was his passion, his purpose, and his legacy. He leaves behind a lasting mark on the community, his family, and the fields he cared for so deeply.

The Thomas family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Sioux Falls Avera Hospital, the Pierre Mary House, and the dedicated hospice nurses who cared for Duane during his final month. Your compassion and care will never be forgotten.

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