Surrounded by family, Duane Evert Manning of Harpers Ferry, W.Va., passed away on Sept. 8, 2015.

Duane was born Jan. 20, 1931 in Ada, Minn. He was greeted in heaven by his parents and six of his seven siblings.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Melissa (Griffith); seven children, and a quiver full of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

During his 84 years, Duane was a musician, mechanic, cowboy, Korean War veteran, horse trainer, and blacksmith. He was well known for his work ethic, fine voice, cowboy hat, and endless cups of black coffee. He could fix anything mechanical, though sometimes he would be the only person who could make it work afterwards. Duane was a sought-after farrier in Tidewater Virginia and his wealth of knowledge continues through two sons who are farriers, numerous apprentices, and contributions to farrier textbooks.

Duane was buried at Union Cemetery in Leesburg, Va. Local family and friends gathered at Oatlands Plantation for a remembrance. An additional memorial service is planned in Minnesota near Duane’s childhood home.