Duane E. Dow

Duane E. Dow, age 60, of Huber Heights, passed away September 27, 2026. He was born on April 15, 1966, to William and Gloria Dow. He attended Colonial White High School and later spent a year at the University of Cincinnati studying engineering. But Duane discovered that his greatest passion was not engineering—it was music. He loved going to concerts, playing in bands, and sharing music with the people he loved. He especially loved playing the bass guitar and upright bass, both of which he taught himself to play. Music and friendship were woven into the fabric of his life.

Then Duane encountered the love of God, and his life was forever changed. The love of Jesus poured through him and touched everyone he met. Known as the “Gentle Giant,” Duane welcomed people with an open heart and loved deeply and without reservation. He loved everyone, but he fiercely and devotedly loved his family.

In 2005, Duane married Carrie, just three months after they met. Together, they built a family and raised Olyn, Sophie and Annaliese. Duane poured his heart into his children—and his nephews—encouraging them to always give their very best, no matter the circumstances, and to trust in and lean on God.

In addition to his wife, Carrie S. (Gray) Dow and children: Olyn Dow, Sophie Coulibaly and Annaliese Dow, Duane is survived by his mother, Gloria D. (Holly) Dow; sisters:  Holly Dow and Sharon Morris; nephews: Jordan, Jalil and Theo; step-son, Quayd Snell; mother-in-law, Carole Allen; father-in-law, Kevin Gray; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Robert Gray and Rebecca Ledingham-Gray; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

Duane was preceded in death by his father, William E. Dow, Jr.; and grandparents: William and Johnnie Mae Dow & Willie and Vay Belle (Cole) Blackman.

Duane had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. He loved adventures, discovering new places, and trying new things. He also had a great love for the Pittsburgh Steelers. A few years ago, Duane and Carrie were able to attend their very first Steelers game together, creating a special memory they shared.

Duane bravely fought cancer twice. Through both battles, he faced each day with courage and a deep faith in God. After his second battle, Duane was tired, and he was ready to meet his Heavenly Father, trusting in the complete healing that awaited him in Heaven.

Duane loved God, family, and music. His faith shaped his life, his family was his greatest treasure, and music was one of the many ways he shared his joy with the world. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered and blessed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 pm on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Way of the Cross Church, 612 Beatrice Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45404, where the funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions directly to Carrie Dow or to Wright-Patt Credit Union for the care of their youngest daughter.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Newcomer Funeral Home, North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Road, Dayton, Ohio 45424. To share a memory of Duane or to send his family a special message, please sign the online guestbook provided.