On November 10, 2012 Earl "Duane" Sword's life on this side of heaven ended
as his eternal life with the Lord began. He was 71 years old, born in Kansas, raised in
Iowa and through many journeys landed in Columbus,IN. Duane had many careers,
high school teacher; football, wrestling, baseball amd track coach; insurnace agent and
auctioneer. He was also known for his love of Barbershop singing-being a member of
the Chordlighter Chorus, MellowTone Chorus and Ready 4 Anything Quartet for many
years. His other great joy was playing Rook with several area men that became his
beloved friends.
He is survived by his wife of twenty five years, Joyce Thayer-Sword who will miss
his jokes and the way he always saw her as the most beautiful woman he ever knew. He
is also survived by his children, their spouses and his granchildren: Eric and Becky Sword
of Tennessee; David and Beth Lollar and their daughter Kinzie of Texas; Melissa Conley
and her son Angus of Indianapolis and Chris and Ashley Holzhausen of Columbus. He was
proud of all of them and loved them without exception.
In the last months Duane struggled with various ailments but never doubted that God
was in control. He was so thankful for all of the wonderfull care that he received, the cards
that he received and the prayers of so many that made his last months brighter. Duane's
faith in God was wonderfully fed by the staff and members of First Christian Church of
Columbus.
All final arrangements are being lovingly handled by Norman's Funeral Home of Hope.
No viewing will be held. A memorial service and lunch for Duane will be held on December
8, 2012 at First Christian Church. Friends can come at 9:30 a.m. to visit with the family and
the service will begin at 10:30 a.m. The lunch will be immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, Please make a donation in Duane's name to Pregnancy Care Center,
First Christian Church or your favorite charity.