Duke Ryan Ommert (10)  of Leawood, Kansas.

Born May 17, 2015, to Ryan and Monica Ommert, Duke passed away surrounded by his family as a result of the injuries he sustained after being struck by a car.

As Duke always told his parents, "I am built different."  This difference was evident in everything he did including his time in the hospital. Ryan's best friend and partner in crime, Monica's love, and Mila's fiercest protecter, Duke, was loved by so many people.

Duke's love for sports had no bounds. Whether he was out on the field or watching his favorite teams, the Chiefs, Royals and Huskers, Duke was the kid who lit up when playing, giving everything he had and lifting up everyone around him. No matter the sport, he always found a way to make a big play, but it's his heart and enthusiasm that made him stand out most. When he wasn't playing ball, Duke loved fishing with his buddies at the neighborhood lakes, drawing, making videos for his YouTube channel, and running around with his friends.

Duke was funny, creative, and incredibly smart. A beloved student at Brookwood Elementary School, he spent over 30 hours making keychains for the Third Grade Makers Mart last year, was a member of Mathletics, participated in the Chess Club, and volunteered with The Do Good Club. Organizer of all pickup games whether at recess, the playground, or a backyard, Duke was competitive in everything he did. He held himself to a high standard and naturally inspired those around him to be better.

Protector of all kids, no matter the age, interest or activity, Duke was a friend to all. His confidence and funny personality made everyone comfortable. The life of the classroom, Duke was thoughtful and an advocate for others, always inviting kids to "bring your glove" and join in. The inside jokes, leadership, inclusion, and love Duke gave to those around him was evident in the hundreds of cards and thousands of stories shared over the past week by friends, friend's siblings, classmates, teammates, neighbors, teachers, family and all the lives he touched.

Above all, Duke loved his little sister Mila, who absolutely adores him. From reading to her at night in his special Gerald and Piggie voices, teaching her how to use the slide at the Leawood Pool, to the countless hours he spent cheering her on whether in soccer, dance, or her latest creation, even when they bickered, their love for each other shined through.

Duke is survived by his parents Ryan and Monica Ommert and his little sister Mila Jane Ommert of Leawood, Kansas. Grandparents Larry and Carol Ommert of Cambridge, Nebraska. Grandmother, Virginia Aguilera of Orcutt, California. Uncle Jeff Ommert of Cambridge, Nebraska. Uncle Tim Ommert of Montgomery, Texas. Cousins Tye Ommert of Lincoln Nebraska, Thatcher Ommert of Montgomery, Texas, Valerie Ramirez of Seaford Virginia, and Alycia, James, and Hank Gray of Seaford, Virginia.

Proceeded in death by his grandfather Arturo Quiros as well as Ryan and Monica's grandparents on each side.

The Celebration of Life for Duke will be held on Wednesday, October 29th in the Resurrection Sanctuary. The visitation will begin at 1:00 pm followed by the service at 2:00 pm.

Church of the Resurrection (Building A)
5009 W. 137th Street
Leawood, KS 66224

A graveside service for family only will immediately follow at Johnson County Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to https://www.gofundme.com/f/prayers-and-support-for-duke-ommert .

To continue Duke's legacy, the Do Like Duke ( www.dolikeduke.org ) foundation is being set up to honor him.  Please go to the website and enter your email address to receive updates.