Duel Hoyt Bratcher

Duel Hoyt Bratcher, 85, of Horse Branch, Kentucky went to his heavenly home on April 15, 2026. Duel was born to the late Willie and Nevelene (Iler) Bratcher. Duel and Eleanor (Whitely) married on October 1, 1960, and shared 65 years together. Along with his wife, Duel left behind a son Dwayne (Pamela) Bratcher of Hartford, daughters Angelita Swift of Horse Branch, and Renetta (Paul) Romero of Horse Branch, grand-children Hollie (Brandon) Lindsey of Horse Branch, Tiffany Swift of Central City, Bo (Breanna) Swift of Horse Branch, Tabitha (Jed) Duncan of Owensboro, Nicholas (Maddy) Bratcher of Lexington, Lain (Brandie) Romero of Beaver Dam, step grandchildren Paul Romero and Christopher Romero of Texas. Seven great-grandchildren, ten step-grandchildren and several special nieces and nephews.

Duel was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law Roy and Ruby Whitely, son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Frances Bratcher, and son-in-law Mark Swift.

Duel was a Kentucky Colonel, a 32-Degree Master Mason with the Friedaland Masonic Lodge and a member of Horse Branch Church of God. He was an Ordained Minister who loved the Lord to the fullest. He had a passion for music and sang at churches and events

throughout the community.

Duel and Eleanor ran the Bratcher‘s Grocery in Rosine where the Country Store

Picker’s began jam-sessions. They entertained hundreds of friends each Friday night. Later, with friends, they established Ole Barn Jamboree (Rosine Barn). At the barn, he coordinated with musicians for their time on the stage. Late nights, he enjoyed the fellowship and playing music with bluegrass enthusiasts who stayed until the early morning hours. Many people will remember Duel as the man who sold beautiful memorial flowers each May in Beaver Dam.

In honor of Duel, bluegrass musicians are encouraged to jam on Sunday from 4-6 PM in the funeral home lobby.

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Monday, April 20, 2026, at William L. Danks Funeral in Beaver Dam, Kentucky with Isaac Belcher, Conner Raymond and Gene Lanham officiating. Interment will follow in Sunnyside Cemetery in Beaver Dam, Kentucky.  Friends may visit from 3-8 PM Sunday and 9 AM until the time of the service Monday at the funeral home. Masonic rites will be held at 6 PM Sunday.

Online condolences may be left for the family of Duel Hoyt Bratcher by visiting his memorial tribute at www.danksfuneralhome.com.

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