Duane Emery (D.E.) Ward, Jr., 83 passed away Sunday, December 14,
2014 at Commonwealth Assisted Living. He was preceded in death by
his parents, Duane E. Ward, Sr. and Fannie Staples Ward.
Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Doris Davis Ward of Galax; three
daughters and spouses, Donna and Danny Schaub of Columbia,
Maryland; Betsy and Stan McKee of Memphis Tennessee; Dede and
Danny Sendrowski of Greenville, North Carolina; 6 grandchildren, 9
great-grandchildren; two special step-children and spouses, Dianne and
Jim Marshall; Phillip and Judy Parks, one-step grandson, two step-great-grandchildren,
all of Galax; one sister, Mary Ann and Parks Deaton of Worthington, Ohio; and one brother, James T. and Brenda Ward of Galax.

D.E. attended and graduated high school from Stanton Military
Academy. He received a B.S. degree in Furniture Manufacturing and
Management from North Carolina State University. After serving his
country as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to
Galax where he was employed by Webb Furniture Enterprises until his
retirement as President in 2004.

D.E. served on the board of directors for Vaughan Furniture Company
Inc., Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Company Inc., Commonwealth Galax
Corporation, Twin County Community Hospital, and Bank of Carroll. He
served as president of the Manufacturing Division of the Southern
Furniture Manufacturing Association.

D.E. was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church. He
served as president of the Lions Club, was a member of the Oldtown
Masonic Lodge, and a Shriner. In his leisure time he enjoyed golfing and
reading. He earned his pilot's license and enjoyed flying his plane
locally.

The family would like to thank the staff at Commonwealth Assisted
Living in Hillsville for the care and love given D.E. in the last years of his life. Also a special thanks to Mountain Valley Hospice who so compassionately tended him and supported the family.

Funeral services will be held at the Galax First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 12 Noon officiated by Richard Gregory. Family will receive friends one hour prior
to the service. Interment will be in Felts Cemetery, 846 Glendale Road, Galax, Virginia.

ln lieu of flowers, you may consider making a donation to:
Galax First United Methodist Church, P O BOX 445, Galax, VA 24333,
Mountain Valley Hospice,1477 Carrollton Pike, Hillsville, VA 24343 or
Charity of your Choice