John Wayne Florence

An era has truly ended with the death of John Wayne (Duke) Florence. Duke was born at the Independent Meat Company Slaughter House on December 25 1930. He and his siblings Andy, Art and Mildred along the the cousins Otto,Frank,Ted and Joe kept the respective parents on their toes. Resourceful and always ready for the next adventure. Riding wagons down the Rock creek grade to the Huff Home with no brakes or raiding the pickle barrel at the meat shop on Main Street fun was to be had. Not a stranger to work either – sacking potatoes in the field, helping gather firewood for the winter. Helping anyone in need were his hallmarks. Attending grammar school at St. Edwards Catholic School earned him many a rapped knuckle for his fun loving spirit. A trait runs through the family. He married his high school sweetheart: Laverna Rosenof in 1952. They had to daughters Karen and Karma. They divorced in 1963. Duke remained a bachelor until cousin Joe introduced him to Arlene Rose Poindexter also a divorcee. She had 4 children Karen,Steven,Karla and Kris. They were married July 7,1966 at the First Christian Church in Twin Falls. Dukes great love for the outdoors knew few bounds. Hunting and fishing were just as important as riding a Yamaha step through motorcycle with a kid in the front and 1 on the back. Roseworth reservoir was his favorite place to fish. Anywhere a fish could be caught was perfect however. Archery became a true passion culminating in his becoming a registered field archery instructor. Hunting was a pleasure he reveled in whether with a bow or rifle. Success was measured by the friendship and camaraderie not by the successful kill. He was preceded by his best friend Tommy Huff. A friendship born from the joys of childhood to the travails of adulthood. Love and loyalty were the hallmarks of his life. Whether caring for his children under difficult circumstances, to taking on a whole new batch he stood tall. He even coached a girls softball team. He wasn't well versed in the rules but pressed on. They didn't win a championship but they didn't have a losing season. Duke never met a enemy, everyone was just someone he did not know yet. Always had a story to share or a ear to listen. Learning was also very important to Duke. He enjoyed Archery, Taxidermy,Leather-work and Painting. He always did his best. He worked at Independent Meat Company for 43 years. He worked in all aspects there keeping the tradition alive. A person could continue to write about Duke, those who knew him know the measure of a incredible man, father, husband, grandfather. He is survived by his children: Karen Bertrand (John) Karma Florence (Jim Larkin) Karen Olsen (John) Steven Poindexter Karla Florence Kris Nast (Kim) Grand Children: Kelly Swope (Lacie) Carly Brewster (Rob) Tara Nejezchleba John Page (Karen) Katie Davis (Dax) Stephanie Prather (Scott) Kelsey Huston (Eric) Great Grandchildren: Jackson and Harrison Brewster Gage Rinebarger Jaren Green Chauncy,Jada,Brooklyn,Duke Page Benny and Beau Prather Oliver and Thomas Huston Talin and Ryann Swope Maxon Davis Nieces and Nephews: Tom Homan Teresa Collins Tammy Arnado Michael Florence