Howard Wesley Duling

Howard Wesley Duling, 84, of Elk Garden, WV, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV.
Born on August 18, 1940, Howard was the son of the late Wesley "Weck" Duling and Lelia Blanche (Kitzmiller) Duling. He also was predeceased by his brother Tony Shillingburg, and sisters Eleanor Gaye Abernathy and Betty Hanlin.
Howard is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Judith D. (Cosner) Duling; his loving son, Mark Duling and wife Christine of Elk Garden; three grandchildren, Judson B. Duling, who had a special bond with Howard and was his constant companion, Courtney (Duling) Holstine and husband Tyler and Ryan Duling and wife Kristin and two special great grandchildren, Gracelynn and Aiden Holstine. Also surviving is a special friend of over 70 years, Ronald Bray and wife Terry of Winter Haven, FL and his loving caregiver provided by the Veterans Administration, Melanie Paugh.
Howard was a 1958 graduate of Elk Garden High School. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1958-1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis, with his military classification as a structural steel specialist. His dedication to his country extended even after his service, as he was a member of the United Paperworkers Union and the Grant County Development Authority for several years.
After completing his military service, Howard built a successful career at Mead-Westvaco, where he worked for 40 years before retiring. He was a hard-working man, who took pride in his job and was respected by his colleagues.
An outdoorsman at heart, Howard\'s favorite pastime was hunting with his son Mark. He also enjoyed operating the bulldozer and backhoe, and took pleasure in landscaping. His love for bowling was well-known among his friends and family, and he was often seen at the local bowling alley during his free time.
Visitation will be held at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Mark Reed officiating. Interment will be in the Maysville Cemetery, Maysville, WV where graveside military honors will be accorded.