HOWARD – Pastor Donald Herbert Duncan, 89, of Howard passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He was born in Staunton, Virginia, to the late William Earl and Flossie Pearl (Waits) Duncan.
Donald received his BA from Eastern Mennonite University and his Master of Divinity from Eastern Mennonite Seminary. He served as pastor for 43 years in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio, primarily in the Free Methodist Church. He was known as a gentle shepherd, spending much time visiting in homes, hospital rooms and nursing homes. Wherever he went, he never knew a stranger and felt free to talk to everyone about his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Following his years of ministry, Donald participated in the local foster grandparent program, along with Edith, for several years and enjoyed working with the children. Though Donald was no longer serving in an official capacity, his life in the years to follow involved engaging with anyone and everyone he encountered with a word of encouragement and a testimony of God’s love and a desire that everyone be ready for Heaven. He was looking forward to the return of Christ, longing to be with Jesus, yet desiring to serve his family and care for Edith as long as he was able. For the past 17 years, Donald, along with his wife, Edith, attended Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene in Mount Vernon, where they enjoyed being a part of the Agape Sunday School Class.
Donald is survived by his wife, Edith Mary (Prouty) Duncan, whom he married on Nov. 22, 1962, in Penfield, NY; sons, Daniel Joseph (Carrie) Duncan of Mount Vernon, David Jonathan Duncan of Howard and Timothy Paul (Penny) Duncan of Kimmell, IN; a daughter-in-law, Martha Duncan of Humble, TX; grandchildren, Martha Joy Duncan, Benjamin Timothy (Jeana) Duncan, Nathanael Paul (Hannah) Duncan, Anna Jubilee Duncan, Christine Shalom Duncan, Micah Samuel Duncan, Mary Hosanna Duncan and Elizabeth Glory Duncan; great grandchildren, Hazel Jane and Delta Sky Duncan; brothers, James (Charlene) Duncan of Harrisonburg, VA, Phil (Janeth) Duncan of Phoenix, AZ, Howard (Ruth) Duncan of Staunton, VA, and Paul (Evie) Duncan of Leola, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by a son, Donald James Duncan in 2019; brothers, Allen (Janice) Duncan, Dale (Nancy) Duncan, Bernard (Nana) Duncan, and Gordon (Wanda) Duncan; and sister, Virginia (Ralph) Turner.
The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until the time of funeral service celebrating the life of Donald at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 25, at Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene, 16001 Glen Road, Mount Vernon, with Rev. Scott Sharpes and Timothy Duncan officiating. Burial will follow in Mound View Cemetery, Mount Vernon.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Pastor Donald Herbert Duncan
