Duane C. Walters of Tawas City passed away peacefully under the loving care of his family at his home on Sunday, June 8, 2014, age 74 years. Duane was born on July 1, 1939 in Omer to Clarence and Margaret (Sesler) Walters. After high school graduation, Duane pursued his interest in the medical field while attending Elkhart University and later Emery University. Prior to moving to Tawas City, he was employed by General Motors Corporation in Bay City where he worked in the medical department for several years. Duane was co-owner of Tawas Do-It-Best Hardware in Tawas City for 43 years, and co-owner of Oscoda Do-It-Best Hardware for 12 years. He was a strong supporter of the Tawas area and the surrounding communities. Duane served on the Tawas Area School Board for 16 years, with four years as president. He was a former director with the Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce, a Board of Recreation director for Old Orchard Park in Oscoda, an active long time member and Board Director with Tawas United Methodist Church, and a advocate for all conservation organizations. Duane was an avid outdoor sportsman, enjoying golf, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of East Tawas Men's Club, Tawas Elks Lodge, and a board member of the MRHA. Duane took public office on May 14, 2007 as a Tawas City council member, and on Jan 1, 2008, he was elected mayor of Tawas City, and has served the city faithfully and diligently ever since. The community he lived in was always very important to him, however, he absolutely adored and cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren. He will be truly missed by so many that knew and loved him. Duane married his beautiful wife and best friend, Deann (Spence) Walters in 1960 at First United Methodist Church in Pigeon. She survives him, along with his one son and three daughters, Tracy Ann (Paul Dirk) Stevelinck of East Tawas, James Scott Walters of Gaylord, Lisa Ann (John Alan) Schmidt of Frankenmuth and Tricia Dee (Patrick Michael) Woods of Williamston; six grandchildren, Stevelinck family, Tyler Duane, Karli Denise and Konor John; Schmidt family, Raechel Deann and Lillian Kathryn; and Woods family, Tillee Margaret; one niece, Amy (Kim) Amesbury of Rockford; and many special friends. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Margaret Walters; and his brother-in-law, Robert Spence. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 19 at 11 a.m. at Tawas United Methodist Church with Pastor Dan Gonder and Reverend Kenneth Tousley officiating. His family will welcome friends at the church on Thursday for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service. Cremation will take place following the funeral. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider a gift to a church of choice or the Tawas City Veterans Recognition Plaza. An on-line guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.