Duane W. Strong

ANSONVILLE - Duane W. Strong, 84, of Ansonville, returned to his heavenly home on May 16, 2021 after a valiant battle with an illness.

His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Duane was born to the late Thomas and Nellie (Johnston) Strong in Ansonville on June 8, 1936. He graduated from BCI in 1954 and began his lifelong career as a heavy equipment operator at Benjamin Coal Co. He was especially proud of operating the largest dragline in the United States, as documented in a 1963 article in the Centre Daily Times.

He took some time away from the coal business to enter the U.S. Army, which he served in from 1959 to 1962.

Duane was blessed with a loving family. He married his best friend, Marylee Freeman, on March 28, 1964 in Clearfield. Duane and Marylee adopted a daughter, Amy, in 1975. Duane helped raise his daughter with patience, discipline and humility. From the very beginning, he dedicated his daughter to God and encouraged her to explore the beauty of living a life for Jesus.

Duane had a kind and gentle spirit; he was friendly to everyone he met. He was truly a giver. If you drove past his house, you could always count on a smile and a wave. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator.

Duane is survived by his wife, Marylee; his daughter, Amy Cutler and her husband Joe of Ansonville; his grandson, Joey Cutler and his wife Bekah of Clearfield; his granddaughter, Jade Cutler of Ansonville; and his brother Mahlon (Darlene) of Enola.

He was a member of the Zion Baptist Church in Ansonville.

Friends will be received Wednesday, May 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lloyd-Dimmick Funeral Home, Inc., Irvona.  Friends will also be received Thursday, May 20, from 10 to 11 a.m. with the service directly following at 11 a.m. at the Lloyd-Dimmick Funeral Home, Inc. Irvona, with Pastor Richard Engle officiating.

The family requests that donations be sent to Zion Baptist Church, Ansonville.