‘It keeps me young at heart’: 84-year-old Wichitan enjoys two-stepping every week

Malley Jones

May 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM·2 min read

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – 84-year-old Duane Bush is well known at the Wichita Union Stockyards

“He’s a regular on the dance floor,” said Sharon Kempton, who works for KWLS Radio.

“I’ve been coming for almost 5 years straight,” said Bush.

You can find him at the Union Stockyards every Saturday, dancing the night away.

“I just enjoy dancing,” he said.

Two-stepping is an integral part of Bush’s weekend.

“By 3 [p.m.], I’m in bed taking a nap, getting ready for Saturday night,” said Bush.

When the evening finally rolls around, it’s not hard for him to find a partner.

“I dance with a lot of nice gals. They’re all friendly, and I try to pick the prettiest ones,” said Bush.

His charm makes it hard to turn him down.

“The ladies love him,” said Kempton.

Duane makes going out for a night of dancing more exciting.

“Me and one of my best friends, we always dance with him ’cause he is so much fun,” said Jamie Williams, who often dances with Bush.

He is famous at the Union Stockyards.

“He goes by cowboy out here. He’s got cowboy on his belt,” said Tina Andra, co-owner of the Union Stockyards.

At 84 years old, Cowboy’s hobby turns back the clock.

“Dancin’! It’s good exercise. It keeps me young at heart,” said Bush.

He has no intention of sitting down anytime soon.

“I might die on the dance floor, I don’t know,” said Bush. “What a way to go.”

He’s excited, knowing each movement is one more step toward a fulfilling life.

“I know I’m getting old. You gotta die someday. But I’m gonna live as long as I can and enjoy it,” said Bush. “What a way to go.”

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