Duane Wilson

Duane Earl Wilson, 1927-2018, passed away on Aug. 22 at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Ottawa, IL

Born Jan 24, 1927 in Asher, OK, Duane was the only son of sharecropppers (John Earl and Telia Mae Wilson). He made the most of the opportunities life offered him, graduating high school at the age of 16 and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Accounting at Oklahoma State University in 1950. He married Frances Pennington (Haskel, OK) that same summer and they spent 51 wonderful years together. Duane spent his entire career with the Amoco Oil Company and retired as Vice President, Finance for Amoco Europe. His career required 5 moves in the U.S. and a 4 year stint in London, which Duane and his wife thoroughly enjoyed, having previously become lovers of English antiques, European culture and international travel.

He served his country after being drafted into the U.S. Army as WWII came to a close, working as an office clerk after breaking his leg in boot camp.

In addition to his career with Amoco, Duane was very active in the Institute of Internal Auditors, a professional organization. He rose through the ranks to become the International President and Chairman of the Board of Directors and spent 5 years on the Executive Committee of the IIA. Afterwards, he became the Chairman of the Board of Regents, tasked with developing a certification program and exam so that now there are tens of thousands of Certified Internal Auditors around the world.

After living in Houston, Tulsa and Kansas City, Naperville became the Wilson’s home for 35 years. Duane and Fran enjoyed the Naperville Dance Club, bridge clubs and many social events. The Naperville Heritage Society was the focus of most of their activities and the source of their broad circle of local friends. Their appreciation of American history spurred Duane and Fran to be among the founding members of the Naperville Heritage Society in 1969. He served many years in the Society’s administration as treasurer and on the board of directors, in addition to volunteering untold hours helping to create Naper Settlement.

1981 was the sesquicentennial of the founding of Naperville and Duane was appointed chairman of the celebration committee in 1979. Plans for the now-centerpiece of Naperville, the Riverwalk, were begun under his leadership. Another Amoco transfer to London cut short his time on that committee, but we celebrate the fact that the 2 centerpieces of Naperville, Naperville Settlement and the Riverwalk, were both created with his leadership and guidance.

Duane served 28 years on the Finance Committee at Naperville’s Edward Hospital. He spearheaded financing to build the hospital’s 5-story patient facility and a fitness c enter and helped the hospital grow into a world-class facility.

Duane loved attending Chicago Symphony concerts and the Lyric Opera. He and his wife entertained frequently, and were known for their gracious hospitality. He was an avid reader and genealogist, publishing 6 books on the histories of both his and his wife’s ancestry. He took pride in his own autobiography, written while in his 80’s. He was a member of the Naperville Men’s Garden Club and his home and gardens were toured by many.

Duane is survived by his only child, Amy Wilson (Ernest) Cavaness of Marseilles, IL, 4 grandsons: Ryan Opalk of Bloomington, IL, Dean Opalk of Marseilles, Taylor (Brittany Humenick) Opalk of Normal, IL and Kyle (Lauren Sereno) Opalk of Lisle, IL. He is also survived by one sister, Reta Thomas of Albuquerque, and nephews Greg (Martha) Thomas of Arizona and Stan (Carrie) Thomas of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother in infancy (Dwight Ernest), his wife, Frances, and 1 nephew, Jeffery Thomas.

A celebration of the life of Duane Wilson will be held in the Tavern at the Preemption House at Naper Settlement on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 from 4-6 pm.