Gene Steven “Stevie” Duarte passed from this life on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at his home in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was 75 years old. He was born August 27, 1948 in Granada, Colorado to Trinidad and Ruth (Vargas) Duarte.
Stevie had a passion for art, especially woodworking. He used his creative skills in his career as a master machinist for much of his life. He had the opportunity to work on the reproduction of the Apollo 13 space shuttle for the movie Apollo 13 between 1994 and 1995. His work is currently on display at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas. Stevie’s other hobbies included fishing, shooting pool, playing his harmonica, and making everyone around him laugh. He was blessed with the amazing cooking skills of his mother and enjoyed making food for his friends and family...his tortillas were loved by all. His greatest passion in life was spending time with his family.
Stevie is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David Duarte, Patrick Duarte, and Trinidad Jr. Duarte; sister, Kirene McJunkin; and brother-in-laws, Ralph Espinoza and John Griffin.
He is survived by his daughter, Staci Stewart; two sons, Ashley Duarte and Dustin (Jessica) Duarte; four brothers, Andy Duarte, Billy (Shari) Duarte, Peter Duarte, and Bobby (Adela) Duarte; five sisters, Mary (Larry) Lingerfelt, Vera (Mike) Lackey, Eleanor (Ronald) Lawson, Geralyn Espinoza, and Gina Glenn; seven grandchildren, Tameila Johnson, Antoine Foreman, Jayden Duarte, Tialyn Duarte, Lexia Allen, Carter Duarte, and Jack Duarte; one great grandchild, Yasmene Carter; and 35 nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS, with Pastor Guy Hannah officiating. Memorial contributions can be made out to Hutchinson Funeral Chapel to help with Gene’s final expenses.
Hutchinson Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.