The funeral service for Howard A. Duck, beloved husband, father, and grandfather will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Ruston with Dr. Chris Craig and Ed Colvin officiating the service. Interment will follow at Beech Springs Cemetery in Quitman, Louisiana under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Howard went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, January 21, 2017.Howard was born to David Eldridge Bud Duck and Nancy Ann Gilbert Duck in Quitman, Louisiana on February 6, 1939. Howard enlisted in the United States Marine Corp after high school serving in peacetime for 4 years. He then returned home and earned his Bachelor Science degree in Physical Education, and his master plus 30 in Educational Administration and Supervision both from Louisiana Tech. He spent his professional life as an educator and administrator serving 33 years, 32 of those years at Vidalia Junior High and High Schools in Vidalia, Louisiana. At First Baptist Church in Vidalia, Howard enjoyed teaching a men Sunday School class and serving as a deacon. After retiring to Ruston, he continued to serve the Lord at First Baptist Church Ruston as a deacon, an active member of Adult 7 Sunday School, and on the church security team.Howard is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, James Eldridge Duck and Robert Arlon Duck. Howard is survived by the love of his life, and best friend for 51 years, wife Sylvia Cooper Duck; beloved daughter Kelli Colvin and husband Ed, and grandchildren Joshua and Bethany Colvin of Ruston, Louisiana; brother, John Wesley (J.W.) Duck and wife Betty, and sister Mary Lilian Duck Stevenson and husband Jerry, both of Quitman, Louisiana; and numerous nieces and nephews and good friends.In his free time, he was a skilled wood worker and gardener; always enjoying building things and working with his hands. As a patriot, he loved the United States and was extremely proud of the time he served his country in the Marine corps. As an educator, he strived to make everyone and everything in his circle of influence better. When it came to family, Howard was fiercely devoted always putting the needs of those he loved before his own. Looking ahead to this time, he ensured a cherished legacy for his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. Above all these and in all these, Howard loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, putting Him first and most in his life.Pallbearers will be Keith Cumpton, Chris Duck, Patrick Duck, Scott Duck, Joshua Horton, Andy Stevenson, Cole Stevenson, and Robert Stevenson. Honorary pallbearers are the men of the Adult 7 Sunday School Class.The family wishes to express gratitude to the entire staff of Alpine Nursing Home and Premier Hospice for the care they provided to Howard in the last several months. Special thanks go to Br. Eddy Shoemaker, Christy, Muffin and Melissa for their personal care and help.Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 25th from 12:30-2:00 at First Baptist Church Ruston. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to First Baptist Church Ruston Children Building Fund, 200 South Trenton St., Ruston, LA.Online condolences may be made to the family @ www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.