MATTHEWS - Stuart D. Coward, 86, died Christmas night, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2723 Clark Ave., Raleigh. Visitation with the family will be at 1 p.m. prior to the service.

He was born in Holyoke, Mass. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy. In 1958, he began his 26-year career with the Industrial Extension Service at N.C. State College, where he created the supervisory courses which he led across the state. In 1980, he was honored with the Outstanding Extension Award.

He was preceded in death by a son, Stuart D. Coward III.

Surviving: his wife, Ardeth; children, Judy (Warren) Keyes, Stuart D. (Teresa) Coward IV, Stephen D. (Jill) Coward; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity’s Building Fund or to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20006-9140, www.PVA.org.