Charles T. “Ted” Duryea, Jr., 80, Seneca, KS, died Thursday, February 23, 2006, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

He was born September 1, 1925, on a farm north of Seneca, the son of Charles T. “Ted” Sr., and Marion Devor Duryea. He entered the U.S. Navy on November 18, 1943, during World War II, while he was still attending Seneca Public High School. He served on ships in the Asian-Pacific theater, including the destroyer USS Smalley, and at the U.S. Naval Training Station in Farragut, ID. He was discharged as a Yeoman 3rd class on May 6, 1946.

Ted helped his Dad, Ted, Sr., in the refrigeration business. He was also employed by the Seneca Wholesale, Meyer Lumber, Mid Central Egg of Hiawatha, A-1 Auto Supply, a bus driver for USD 442, and at Koelzer Lumber (part-time).

On August 17, 1948, he married Eileen Wessel at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. They lived in Seneca until 1962 before moving to Bern. In 1970 they returned to Seneca, their home at the present time. In 1967 they started Duryea Upholstery, which they owned and operated. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1998.

His memberships include Sts. Peter & Paul Church, where he was an usher and sang in the church choir for many years, the Earle W. Taylor Post #21 of the American Legion, the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the VFW, and the Seneca Lion’s Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family, having coffee at Lori’s, the Log Cabin, and Harsh’s, music, westerns, visiting with friends, playing cards, and fishing.

Survivors besides his wife Eileen of the home are five sons, Ronald and Merle of Seneca, Donald of Solomon, Dennis of Topeka, and Greg of Morrill; three daughters, Marilyn Koch of St. Joseph, MO, Debra Meyer of Sabetha, and Kay Lynne Gabb of Gardner; 30 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 AM Monday at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be with military honors in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given for the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital or the Seneca EMT Association, and sent in care of the family.