Dr. Duane Robert Tovey, 81, of Christiansburg, Va., passed away Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012.

He acquired his Ed.D. at the University of Toledo in 1969. Duane retired as Professor of Early and Middle Childhood Education at The Ohio State University in 1985. He served as Chaplain and Assistant Pastor for Visitation in Ohio and Florida from 1986 until 2000, and was a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America. Duane was also a member of Providence Presbyterian Church of Christiansburg.

He is survived by his wife, Cleo E. Tovey; sons, David A. Tovey and wife, Myra, and Jay R. Tovey and wife, Rose; grandchildren, Sheri L. Culler and husband, Chris, Jason P. Tovey and wife, Mandy, Jennifer E. Roper and husband, Scott, and Jonathon R. Tovey; and great-grandchildren, Cleo, and Jude Culler. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Harry G. and Florence Tovey.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, at Grace Covenant Church, 2101 Shadowlake Rd., Blacksburg, VA, with the funeral service to commence at 11 a.m., and the Rev. Brian Waters and Rev. Chris Hutchinson will officiate the service. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery of Christiansburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Duane’s honor to Providence Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 2635, Christiansburg, VA 24068. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.

Arrangements are by Horne Funeral Home and Crematory of Christiansburg.