Duane Thomas Lindly, a beloved educator, coach, and mentor, passed away on January 12, 2025 at the age of 70. Known for his unwavering dedication to shaping young minds, Duane served in education for 27 years, 23 of those years as a history teacher at Boswell High School where his passion for education left an indelible mark on countless students. 
As he liked to say, born on the third month, fourth day of 1954, Duane grew up with a love for sports and hard work. His mantra in life was “you have two good arms and two good legs, so you have nothing to complain about,” and that would help him overcome obstacles that some would consider a setback. Overcoming those obstacles, he graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1977, a place where he cultivated his passion for history and prepared for a lifetime of teaching and mentoring.
It took time for him to become a full-time teacher, but with the help of some lifelong friends he eventually began his route in education by overseeing ISS at Antlers Public Schools. In 1990 he was hired at Boswell Public Schools, a place where he would work the remainder of his educational career and, at various times, as a coach for both the baseball and girls’ softball teams at Boswell High.
His leadership and encouragement taught his players the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship—lessons that extended far beyond the field.
Duane will be remembered not only for his commitment to family, God, and country, but also for his humor, dedication, and genuine care for his students and colleagues. He believed in the potential of every student and worked tirelessly to ensure their success, leaving a legacy of kindness and commitment that will live on in the lives he touched.
In his later years, he strived to meet the core principles of Masonry, which are brotherhood, charity, and service. His commitment to these ideals was evident in his involvement with local initiatives and in his constant willingness to lend a helping hand to others. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of duty to both his Masonic brothers and his local community
He is preceded in death by his father, Chaves E. Lindly; mother, Cecile M. Lindly; and brother Richard Lindly.
He is survived by his sons, Jay Chaves and Jon Allen; along with his sisters: Youlynda Box, Durynda Bachelor, Belinda Boucher, and brother Mark Lindly. Other survivors include the mother of his sons, Anita Johnson; a grandson, Thomas Jay Lindly;, and a goddaughter, Chelsea Burns, as well as three nieces and five nephews and a host of lifelong friends, colleagues, and former students who mourn his loss and celebrate his life. 
Funeral services will be held at Boswell High School Gymnasium in Boswell, Okla., on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 1 p.m. with interment to follow at the Joe Slater Memorial Cemetery in Wright City, Okla., a final resting place where family, friends, and members of the community will gather to honor Duane’s remarkable life and legacy.
Duane’s family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, at Brown’s Funeral Home in Durant.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Duane’s memory to Shriners Hospital for Children or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Such donations would have made Duane smile because supporting care for children was a cause that was close to his heart.
Duane Thomas Lindly will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues, and former students, but his impact will continue to resonate for years to come through the many lives he touched.
Arrangements under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service.