What a sweet man he was .
Always cheerful, and always smiling !

I am grateful for all the good times spent with Duane and Jane😎
 

Duane will always remain in my memories of the MOST wonderful individual I have ever met!  Great man!

Mr. Webster was always smiling , with always a kind word for everyone . I never saw him not smiling.
Wow ! 97 !

Melanie best wishes always ! The funniest & biggest heart on the planet . Forever on my mind . Greg Mizner 

Uncle Ernie is part of my childhood memories, always funny and always playing with us kids. And I remember the stories Mom, Priscilla, his sister, told about their childhood. I was fascinated by tales of rowing boats in Rhode Island. Mostly I remember the very strong bond between Ernie and Priscilla as much loved brother and sister. And how much he loved his kids. 

In my family, we called him Uncle Ernie. My mother’s brother was always a favorite, and all my memories of him include laughter; silly songs were a specialty! One memory that still makes me giggle is from a time my parents and I visited Uncle Ernie and family in Boca Raton. My cousin Melanie and I were playing in the pool in the evening and she saw a BIG bug, and screeched “Eew! A roach!” Uncle Ernie didn’t miss a beat when he deadpanned, “Melanie, when our family from the north is here, we call them Palmetto Bugs.”

The world is better for having had Uncle Ernie in it.

Dear Melanie, Charlie, and Gordon,

I loved your father very much and was sad to hear of his passing.

Two of my favorite memories are these:
We had a family reunion in the Poconos when my dear mother was so ill. Uncle Ernie helped a lot, as did everyone. But he had a sense of humor of which there was no comparison. He sang with us when Duane and I played music that everyone could sing. I think I still have that tape, and can hear Uncle Ernie singing.

The second memory was at the memorial service for my mother. Becky and I were sitting in the second row of pews and Uncle Ernie was behind us. At some point a song was sung that Becky and I made up different words for. Becky and I started cracking up, laughing. Later, Uncle Ernie told us he didn't know whether to pat us on the back for sympathy (he wasn't sure if we were crying or laughing), or, smack us upside the head. 

I loved him so much and he was the only direct relative of my mother's.

Thank you for letting us know. 

How is Aunt Jane?

I love you all!!
Wendy

Just saw the memoriam in the Saint Andrews newsletter.  It was a pleasure visiting Duane either while resolving the occasional computer glitch, or while he processed my vendor payments back in the early 1990's.  I used to print my invoices on bright yellow paper so we could easily retrieve them from the large stack on his desk.   Rest in peace Duane.  It was an honor having known you.

My Da was a light.  When I was a lad he told me he was going to take me to visit a mountain that touches the clouds.  I was thrilled and watched the clouds all the way there looking for this enchanted mountain.  On our arrival I was in awe.  I looked at him and will never forget the light that came from him and the truth he had shared with me that day.  You can soar my son.  

Thank you Duane Webster for being  such a wonderful part of my life.  I was in my 30's, you in your 60's, riding your bike to work at St. Andrew's School, making this young  teacher/ scientist feel so welcomed and loved!!!  I left SA some years later, but thankfully we kept in touch;  every visit back , we'd get together at Tom Sawyer's for breakfast.  Those were some of my fondest memories.   You loved poems & I want to share a "revised" version of one of my favorites with your loved ones: 

I will not stand at your grave & weep.  You are not there, you do not sleep.  You did not die.  You are a thousand winds that blow, the diamond glints on [water], the sunlight on ripened grain, the gentle autumn's rain.  When I awaken in the morning's hush, you are the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.  You are the soft stars that shine at night.  

You are a treasured part of my heart & I thank you so for sharing you with me.

Our family spent quite a few winter vacations at Aunt Jane and Uncle Duane’s house and they always made us feel so welcome. And then there were the summers at the cabin. Uncle Duane would come out to our cabin with a bar of soap to take his bath. Probably before I got out of bed and anyone who knows me knows that is so true. He was such a wonderful man.  So kind, and the stories he told. My goodness, he just fascinated me. I am going to miss him so much, along with a million other people. 
With lots of love and sadness,
Yvonne

A bright light has faded, Duane completed his life’s mission and has joined loved ones in heaven. He was my father-in-law, cruise buddy, friend and inspiring family Patriarch.  He always made me feel special; his love was always uplifting, honest and sincere. The way he lived each day of his life with enthusiasm and gusto inspired us, he was multi talented and shared his light with all.  When I joined the family as a young mother of three, he welcomed us with open arms and always made us feel we were a part of the Webster clan.  I guess the most amazing thing about Duane, I learned over the years, was that he showered everyone in his life with his warmth, good humor and many talents.  I imagine there was a big brass band and a line a mile long of loved ones who greeted him in heaven, until we meet again, Skoll, love you!

To Duane.  You always had a poem of some sort to share at any occasion.  I told you many times that you should write a book of you special poems.  Now it is my turn.  Here goes.

Death has nothing on life.
It does not count.
You have only slipped away into the next room
For all account. 

We will laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we all shared,
We will play, smile and think of you.
Your are out of sight, but not out of mind.
All is well.

You are but waiting for us, for an interval,
Somewhere very near, just around the corner.
One brief moment all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh when we meet again!

Duane, you are the special person that you always will be.
We will see you shortly, so we should not feel sorrow.
You were and will always be our best friend.
See you soon!  We love you!
                 You friend,
                 Cherry Fiske

I worked with Duane at Saint Andrew's School for close to twenty years.  He was truly an inspiration to all of us at the school, not only for his endless energy but for his zest for life!  Duane will be truly missed by all he touched.  You are a better person for having known him!

Love to Duane, Jane, and the Family,

Kathy Van Valkenburg

Happy Fathers Day, Daddy!!!tons of love, Melanie 

Duane my Father-in-Law and Great Friend,

I will always cherish your big smile with
your arms wide open, offering a big hug at first sight.

ALWAYS:
So much fun to be around.
Full of energy and positive thoughts.
Smart, Funny, Witty 
Living your life to the fullest everyday.
Having a positive outlook on life.
Putting smiles on all the faces around you.
Ready to lend a helping hand when needed.

ALWAYS:
A true gentleman.
A Marine
A competitor
A great cribbage partner.
Giving 150% effort 
Putting others first before yourself.
On a mission from morning to night.
A true inspiration to all of those around you.

I will forever mourn the loss of a very special man who was so generous with the love, kindness, help and inspiration that you shared with all of those around you.

I Love You Duane!

Kenny




One of many favorite memories.    Best father in law a girl could ask for 

We have so many happy memories of your parents visits to Michigan over the years. One of the songs I remember vividly was "Sentimental Journey" that your Dad would play for us on the piano.  Fitting to know that his journey now to be reunited with your mother leaves such wonderful sentiments of joy as we reminisce! 
May you all find comfort in reflecting on the many happy memories of his life! 
Sincere Sorrow, 
Tom and Joni Kaiser

Melanie and Family,

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.

We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.  

God Bless,
Jim and Joan Dockstader

Dearest Webster Family,

What a delight it was to know your father. I watched him tear it up on the piano one time looking so cool in his aviators (Tom Cruise doesn’t have anything on your dad). People were gathered around the piano singing and having the greatest time. This was just a small window in the life of your dad who brought joy like this to so many folks countless times over in his life.   I’ll miss his humorous Thursday Thoughts newsletters that I shared with folks up here in Asheville. He made residents in the local nursing homes laugh and smile every week. What a guy! 

With love and fond memories, 
Lyda Karrh and family 

Melanie,

Your Dad was one in a million.  He was always so positive and celebrated life every day to it's fullest. He cared so deeply about his family and friends and will always be remembered as a fun and adventurous man. This is a tremendous loss for all who knew him because he touched so many.

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. 

Sharon Smith



Dear Melanie and Family,
I have always admired how your dad lived life to the fullest while making other people feel special along the way. He made the world a better place and will be missed!
With love and deepest sympathies,
Karen

Thank you all for the love and support over the last few weeks!  I miss him already. tons of love,
Melanie

We the staff of Kraeer Sample Funeral Home would like to extend our most deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your loved one.  "Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal but love leaves memories that no one can steal."

OBITUARY

Duane E Webster

December 16, 1921 – June 10, 2019

Kraeer-Becker Funeral Home and Cremation Center

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services