Edward "Duane" Arthur, 53, of Smithfield, departed this life on February 23, 2020 at his home in Newport News, Virginia.

Duane was born in Newport News, VA to Edward Lee Arthur and Drema Crouch Arthur on April 25, 1966. He was engaged to the love of his life, Jennifer Lynn Lewis, whom he had made memories with for the last 14 years. Together they shared a blended family of five adult children: Andrew Henderson (Eve), Levi Arthur (Portia), Cody Arthur (Ashley), Adina Lewis, and Josh Lewis (Stevi) and four grandsons, Cayden, Atticus, Landon and Greyson. Duane is also survived by his brother Randy Arthur (Tamara). He is preceded in death by his mother, Drema Crouch Arthur.

Duane was passionate about many things over the years, but in particular were his loves of cooking, and most of all, fishing. Before being diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer (Glioblastoma) on March 12, 2019, he was very active in both his career, working most recently at Mobjack Tavern, and his hobby, fishing, every chance he could.

Duane was a jack of all trades, with jobs as varied as burial vault making as a teenager, working as a mechanic at many local automotive shops and dealerships, and serving as a paramedic and firefighter for York County, Virginia. He even continued to volunteer for the Isle of Wight County Rescue Team for many years. Duane also worked as an ironworker for Lockwood Brothers. Eventually he decided to go back to school, focusing on a culinary degree to finally pursue his dream to become a chef. Throughout the years, Duane expertly prepared meals as the master chef at The Boxwood Inn, Yorktown Pub, Cozzy's Comedy Club, Boathouse Live, and most recently at Mobjack Tavern.

Duane was passionate about teaching the art of tying flies and fishing. He shared this love with his children and his grandson, Cayden. Deciding to enhance his fishing experience, he and Jennifer decided to buy kayaks. He was finally able to take his passion on to the water to enjoy and share it with those he loved; family and friends. He was truly happiest when sharing his love for fishing and his skills with tying flies. Duane was a Prostaffer for several fishing and hunting companies, to include Muddy Waters Hunting and Fishing Adventures. This pastime afforded him many peaceful days on the calm waters of the reservoir. Nature and Duane were a perfect fit for one another.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations directly to the family to support funeral and end of life expenses. For any additional information please contact Drew Henderson at drew.henderson26@gmail.com.

The Arthur and Lewis families wish to extend our sincere thanks to the members of All Generations Church, Heather Heise-Reeves of Third Day Graphics, Dan and Lisa Rice, and a multitude of others behind the scenes, who provided support through benefits and other events to help during this long journey

Graveside services will be held, Saturday, February 29th, at 1 PM at St. Luke's Memorial Park, 14477 Benns Church Blvd, Smithfield, VA 23430. Arrangements are by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.