Max Duane Handy

HEYBURN – M Duane Handy, age 88, passed away from a stroke followed by subsequent small strokes, at home, after a six-month struggle. He was with family when he passed on to a joyous reunion with his SWEETHEART WIFE on May 15, 2021, in the early morning.

Duane was a long-time Mini-Cassia resident and his grandparents on all four sides were early pioneers in and around the Mini-Cassia area. Duane was born on August 23, 1932, in Rupert, Idaho, to Ernest and Edith Bailey Handy. Duane was an example of a good, honest, hardworking man to all who knew him. He loved God, his family, religion and his country. He and his wife served several missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including a three-year family mission to the Tongan Islands, where he taught vocational agriculture at the Liahona College (a high school equivalent). Duane retired as an Idaho educator; a renowned and highly-respected superintendent of Fremont County schools.

After retirement he moved to Heyburn, Idaho and built his home, which also included planting an orchard with 29 different varieties of apple trees, plus other fruit trees including peach, pear, and plum. He decided he was not busy enough so he became a successful salesman for AFLAC insurance, and he also received his license to spray insecticide.

He was a fierce racquet-ball player even after he had a knee replacement. He loved the outdoors, including camping, river running, and walks in the forest. He taught his various scout troops that “what you pack in you pack out” on their trips to the wilderness area. He was a tried and true dirt-bike racer.

He was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Beverly Patricia Hacking Handy of 63 earthly years and 67 eternal years; his daughter, Patressa (Terri) Lynn Handy Hennefer; and his son, Kevin Duane Handy. He is survived by nine grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. His grandchildren live in various areas of Idaho with one in Washington and New Orleans.

Duane’s family expresses sincere thanks to Intermountain Homecare & Hospice with special thanks to Lori and Ilene for the wonderful, compassionate care with a dose of humor.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 21, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Heyburn 1st Ward, located at 530 Villa Dr., in Heyburn, with Bishop Justin Mitchell officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 until 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Arrangements are under the care of the Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.