William Dugan

William Rex Dugan, 90, laid down his working tools on December 9, 2022 and passed away peacefully at home in Artesia, New Mexico.

William was born on June 9, 1932 to Mary Etta and Rex Leslie Dugan on the family farm north of Alton, Kansas. William graduated from Alton High School in 1950 and began his career as a carpenter. In November of 1951 he enlisted in the U S Marine Corps. On September 12,1951 he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Gale Covert. To this union were born two children, Dennis Alan and Jody Gale.

He served as a clerk typist in the Marines during the Korean War where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. He was discharged in 1953. He returned to Alton, Kansas to establish his business, Dugan Cabinet Shop and began a long career dedicated to the construction of homes, cabinetry and metal farm buildings. The family spent many enjoyable summers in Tin Cup, Colorado where he began another business, Tin Cup Log Homes and after several years relocated there to devote the entire year to logging and building beautiful log homes.

On July 23,1982 he was married to Patricia Koger of Craig, Colorado, and welcomed her children Kevin and Kimberly to his home. Together they expanded the Log Home business but eventually moved to California where he was employed by Pacific MDF. This position led to a move to Clio, South Carolina and eventually El Dorado, Arkansas. After his retirement and a few years spent in Jeffersonville, Indiana he and Pat relocated to Artesia, New Mexico where they have made their home for the past four years.

Bill was a member of the Alton and Osborne Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years where he achieved the rank of Master Mason. He was also a proud member of the American Legion.

In addition to woodworking and metalworking, Bill enjoyed spending time tinkering in his shop where he could always be found building or creating the special tool or template he needed. He also enjoyed model trains, gardening, framing Pat's stitchery and spending time with his great grandchildren. His vast collection of "stuff" amazed his children and friends and he always seemed to have exactly the right tool, piece of wood, metal or hardware they needed.

He is preceded in death by his parents Rex and Mary Dugan, first wife Donna and grandson Mark Buckles. He is survived by his wife Patricia of Artesia, New Mexico; sister Charlene (Bob) Hyde of Osborne, Kansas and children Dennis (Janet) Dugan of Green Cove Springs, Florida; Jody (Gary) Buckles of Parker, Colorado; Kevin (Lori) Koger of Wiggins, Colorado; Kimberly (Craig) Potts of Delta, Colorado; Grandchildren Erin Dugan, James Dugan, Brooke Sample, Matthew Buckles, Ashley Cook, Cody Garcia, Leticia Garcia and their spouses and partners; ten Great Grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, friends and lots of "stuff".

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Terpening & Son Mortuary, 611 W. Grand Ave., Artesia, New Mexico with a final resting place of Twin Oaks Cemetery near his home in Artesia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Bill to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Wounded Warriors.


Death is the gentle opening and
closing of a door.
Beyond whose portals there is
rest and peace forever more.
And may it help to ease your loss
and bring you comfort too.
To know that on the other side,
your loved one waits for you.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.  Donation information can be found below in the Donations section.