William Duane Beene, age 78, of Early passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on July 2, 2012. Visitation will be held at Heartland Funeral Home on Thursday July 5th from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Salt Creek Baptist Church Friday July 6th at 10 a.m. with Bro. Jimmie Mize officiating. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Cemetery.
W.D. was born on October 19, 1933 in Comanche to John William (Bo) & Rubie Mae (Kight) Beene. He was the oldest of three boys and graduated from Gustine High School in 1951. He married Patsy Cumba on September 27, 1957, building a life together that served as an example of love and dedication to all who knew them. He and Patsy had lived in Early since 1960 and were faithful members of Salt Creek Baptist Church. W.D. was a selfless, hard-working man committed to serving his family, his friends, and his church.
He served his country in the Army during the Korean War and retired from Santa Fe Railroad in 1996 after 41 years of service as a trainman and conductor. He was a friend to all and a stranger to none, always eager to lend a hand.
W.D. is preceded in death by his parents Bo and Rubie, his brother Bill, and his son Mike. He is survived by his wife Patsy, his son Randy and wife Deloris Beene of Granbury, his brother Jerry and wife Theresa of Grosvenor, his granddaughter Tina Dugan of Euless and four grandsons, Ty of Benbrook, Brady of Brownwood, Bailey of Rohnert Park, Calif. and Travis of The Colony as well as a great-granddaughter, Braylee Beene, and a great-grandson, Andrew Dugan, who was his littlest buddy and biggest fan.
He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law Ann Beene of Bangs, Lloyd Sansom of Early, Ray & Lorene Gage of Victoria, Janie Elam of Cross Plains, Lucille Cumba of Brownwood, and Charlene Cumba of Victoria as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family request memorials be made to The Salt Creek Baptist Church Building Fund P. O. Box 3349 Early, Texas 76803
Friends and relatives may sign his online guest book at heartlandfuneralhome.net
