C. Duane Callender

No matter how long we have to love someone, it's never easy to say goodbye. Not being one to let the falling snow pile up, C. Duane Callender, age 74, walked out of his house to clear the driveway late in the night on 12/11/2016. However, the Lord had other plans for Duane, so the snow removal would have to wait. For those who knew Duane well, know this is exactly how he would have wanted to leave this world, especially since he could be the most unpleasant patient. So luckily for the medical staff at the hospital, he saved them from his wrath and made his grand entrance into heaven on 12/12/2016. While our hearts are broken because we never had the chance to say goodbye, we know he was welcomed Home, into the loving arms of the Lord and we are pretty sure he already had a heavenly tee time scheduled for later that morning. Duane was born and raised in a little town called Washington Court House, in southern Ohio, where he excelled at baseball and track. He always said he learned to run so fast from being chased by the local law enforcement officers after engaging in some sort of mischief, a fact his family never could truly confirm. He attended the Ohio State University for both his undergraduate and law school years, graduating in 1967. It was during these years that he met Judy Deyo, the woman who would become his wife for the past 52 years, who saved him from a diet of White Castle hamburgers and onion rings. After marrying in 1964, Duane and Judy had four children in five years, stopping only after they realized they were seriously outnumbered. Duane will be remembered fondly for his sharp legal mind and quick wit. He was a man of few words, so you knew when he spoke, you should be listening...except when the Buckeyes weren't playing well, then you should probably be covering your ears. He loved White Castle hamburgers, watching swim meets, soduko, Costco free samples, the Buckeyes, peach pie and Christmas. Not necessarily in that order. He hated chicken, paper plates and the team up north. Not necessarily in that order either. Even though Duane couldn't swim and there were rare sightings of him in shorts, he attended more than 1,000 swim meets to watch his children and grandchildren compete since 1975. Duane possessed the uncanny ability to look at a heat sheet and tell you to the exact minute when the meet would end. He not only attended swim meets, but he could be seen in the auditorium or on the sidelines or in the stands for the orchestra concerts, drill competitions and football, lacrosse, water polo, basketball and soccer games of his children and grandchildren. He was the biggest fan his grandchildren, Ben, Calvin, Isaac, Canaan, John, Luke, Cierra, Josh, Lance, Claire, Zac, Lincoln, Ava, Owen, Quinn and William had. He wasn't much for cheering loudly, but his presence spoke volumes. His love of watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports, drill meets and play beautiful music is only surpassed by his love for his wife, children and grandchildren. His marriage for 52 years to Judy is a true testament of his love and dedication to his family. His children, Brad (Joy) Callender, Carma (Gile Bastida) Callender, Cassie (Clark) Campbell and Nettie (Tim) Bockbrader feel fortunate to have called him Dad. The family is happy that his beloved Buckeyes were able to give him a win over the team up north this year. Go Bucks! Duane never wanted a memorial service, but some of his children were never very good at following directions, so we will celebrate Duane's life on Thursday, December 29th at Grace United Methodist Church in Perrysburg, Ohio at 11:00 am. Visitation will take place from 10:00-11:00am prior to the service. Donations can be made in Duane's name to the Cherry Street Mission or Perrysburg Christians United. Arrangements were handled by Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, OH (419-874-3133).