Duane Charles Valentine, age 78, of Bowling Green, Ohio, departed this life on Saturday, October 31, 2009
and returned home to his Heavenly Father.
Duane was born November 14, 1930 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Charles "Debs" and Kathryn A.
(Tripp) Valentine. He married Phyllis Grant on April 24, 1949 in Bowling Green and she survives.
Duane loved flying, earning his private pilot’s license as a teenager in 1949. He went on to own several
airplanes while encouraging his sons to fly and earn their own licenses. Hunting was also a lifelong
hobby, enjoying trips to Wyoming, Pennsylvania and Northern Michigan with close friends and family.
Desiring to serve his Lord, Duane attended Toccoa Falls Bible College from 1954-56 studying theology and
missions. While Duane was unable to finish his studies he endeavored to see that each one of his six
children finished college – one of his proudest moments as a father. Later, he directed the construction
of the Bowling Green Alliance Church and served as the Director of Physical Plant for Spring Arbor
University. Most importantly, Duane served his Lord and Plain Congregational Church as an elder, Sunday
school teacher and faithful member for over 25 years.
Duane worked for over 40 years as a mechanical contractor. He owned and operated Ralph H. Myers Plumbing
& Heating and Control Maintenance Inc. He was a member and past-president of Plumbing, Heating
& Cooling Contractors Assoc. and a 37-year member of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Association. Over
his lifespan, Duane was a member of three fire departments, one in Michigan and two in Ohio.
Duane always had a ready and infectious smile. He loved people and graciously welcomed everyone into his
home. No one was a stranger for long. His charisma, a God-given gift, drew others to him as he
encouraged them to trust God’s faithfulness along life’s journey. Duane was dearly loved and he will be
greatly missed.
Surviving besides his wife are three daughters: Christine (Jeff) Trautman of Seattle, WA; Colleen (Terry)
Sanford of Gilbertsville, PA; and Cathleen (Charlie) Martin of Tampa, FL; three sons: Craig (Marcia) of
Grand Rapids, Ohio; Christopher of Plano, TX; and Carey (Judy) of Brownstown, MI; two sisters: Pat
(Gerald) Carrier, New York and Nancy (Leroy) Josephsen, Bowling Green; four brothers: Paul (JoAnn) of
Naples, FL; Ned (Elaine), Doug, Mark (Linda) all of Bowling Green; 12 grandchildren, a step-grandchild,
a great-grandchild and two step-great-grandchildren. Duane was preceded in death by his parents and two
brothers, Dudley and Dallas.
Family and friends may visit Tuesday November 3rd, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Deck-Hanneman
Funeral Home in Bowling Green, Ohio. Funeral services will be held at Plain Congregational Church on
Wednesday November 4th at 11 a.m.
Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Plain Congregational Church – Missions Fund.
On-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hannemanfh.com.