A. Duane Smallwood
April 29, 2005
Smallwood, A. Duane, 61, Director of Missions at Westlink Christian Church and Ret. USD 259 Wilbur Jr. High Instrumental Teacher, died Friday, April 29, 2005. Visitation with the family 7:00 to 8:30, Monday, Downing Lahey West Chapel. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at Westlink Christian Church. Survivors are; Wife Martha of Wichita; Son: Aaron Duane Smallwood of Lawrence, KS.; Daughter; Alicia Dawn Kraft of Council Bluffs, IA; Four Grandchildren: Dean, Amara Andrew Smallwood and Anna Kraft. Memorials Contributions to: Westlink Christian Church, 2001 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, KS.
Visitation will be held 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Downing Lahey West Chapel Services 2:00P.M. Tuesday, May 3, 2005 Westlink Christian Church.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Dear Martha, Alicia, and Aaron, About a month ago I saw you, Martha, and Duane in the mall. I wanted to say hello but, afraid you wouldnt remember me, I passed you by. Last week I picked up the paper and read the article about Duane. Now I wish I would have taken the time to stop and say hi. The words that day would have been simply. Hello, how are you, its been a long time. Now the words I search for are difficult to find. Its hard to say exactly how Duane touched my life, but I know he did. After twenty years I wouldnt be writing this if he didnt. Please accept my deepest condolences. My thoughts are with you. Russ
Friends, I only met Mr. Smallwood for the first time on the day he died, but he was so wonderful to a young girl in need of help that I wanted to tell you the story. A 5th grade girl in our church started playing the flute this year. Her mother is a single parent and terminally ill with cancer, and the flute has been one good thing in this young girl’s life. For two months she had been preparing her first solo to play at the elementary music festival last Friday. But on Friday morning, her mother died. She decided she would go ahead and try to play her solo because her mother had wanted her to do it so much. I was playing the piano for her and thought about warning the judge that the child was very fragile. But I had no need. We walked in and Mr. Smallwood greeted her kindly. She played for him and then played in a small ensemble. He loudly cheered for them as they finished. Then, as my young friend left the room, he called out to her, ‘You did a good job, young lady.’ It was affirmation she greatly needed and she told people all day about his encouraging words. Later that day, he evidently went to be with the Lord. I have found myself wondering about heaven. I am guessing that this young girl’s mother, who only preceded Mr. Smallwood in death by a few hours, has already thanked him for being so outgoingly kind on the day of his death to her bereaved daughter.
Martha, I was deeply saddened to hear about Duane. He was a very nice, kind man. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you and your children.
Martha, I can not express how much my heart is hurting for you. I remember your husband as such a kind and helpful man. He brought so much out of his students. I know how saddened they will be when they find out. I hope the love of those around you help you through this time. There are so many people that love and care about you, so don’t hesitate to lean on any one of us. You’re such a wonderful person, and I am so sorry.
Martha & family What a true man of God your husband was. I had only known him for a year. Worked with him on the Missions Kiosk and the Missions Booklet, but the impact he left on my life was tremendous. He was kind, gentle, and such sweet disposition. I will miss Duane. Please let me know if I can do anything at all for you or the family.
Dear Martha and Family; I am just so very saddened to hear of Duane’s passing. What a great, good man…. so full of cheer, good will, and inspiration – whether just in passing as a friend in the hall, or in training and motivating students to achieve to their highest potential. He will be so missed by so very many, but of course we know he’s in heaven tuning up the band, and we can’t begrudge him that. I’ll be in touch. Cherie