Duane Howard

Duane Howard, 89, of Clovis died November 11, 2011 at Plains Regional Medical in Clovis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Howard, his daughter Deborah Jean Serecky, Parents, 4 brothers, 1 sister and granddaughter Skylar Mae Staats.

Duane graduated from Texico High School after the Howard family moved to Clovis in 1936 to start the Prince Street Laundry. He was a World War II Veteran serving in the South Pacific. Upon completion of his military duties, he married Mary Jane Anthony and returned to eastern New Mexico. He earned a Masters Degree, plus 32 hours at Eastern New Mexico University.

He Taught in the Clovis Public School System for over 35 years, primarily at La Casita and Barry Elementary Schools. His love for his students and children was shown throughout those years. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church and Kingswood Methodist where he taught Sunday School for many years and served in various capacities. He was also a ThirtySecond Degree Mason. He volunteered for many years in the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program VITA. His life was a characterization of service and giving to others.

He loved the outdoors and sports. He refereed for many years in the sports of football and basketball throughout eastern New Mexico. He especially loved farming and his horses.

He is survived by his second wife, Verdine Howard, his sons Kenneth and his wife Candyce of Seattle, Washington, and Francis and his wife Beverly of Las Vegas, Nevada his grandchildren Jeremy Howard and his wife Beth and 7 children Shelby Howard and his wife Emily and their 2 children, Nathan Staats and his 3 children Tyson Staats and his daughter and Richard Staats 1 sister 1 brother and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at Kingswood United Methodist Church on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Francis Howard and Pastor David Bachelor officiating. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Howard, Shelby Howard, Nathan Staats, Tyson Staats, Richard Staats, and Bill Serecky. Burial will follow at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens in Clovis. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at SteedTodd Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of SteedTodd Funeral Home Cremation 800 E. Manana Blvd. Clovis, New Mexico 88101 575 7635541 you may also sign the guest registry at www.steedtodd.com

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