Duane M. Eby

Duane M. Eby, 65, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Born in Fort Wayne, IN, he graduated from Northside HS in 1969 and earned his BFA from the John Herron School of Art. Duane's first artistic talent came in the form of drawing. He spent many years working as a graphic designer but retired from Sweetwater Sound as a guitar technician. As much as he loved spending time with his wife, daughter and grandchildren, Duane's first love and passion in life was music. He got his first guitar as a teenager from his Aunt Mina. Self-taught, he began performing at open mic venues and continued to do so until death. He loved being able to collaborate with other musicians and help musicians who were just starting out. Duane enjoyed sharing his knowledge and passion of music, through teaching, songwriting, composing and long conversations about music theory and taught himself to play other instruments including the piano and ukulele. Duane was full of wit and dry humor and one of the most kind and gentle people anyone could ever meet. He truly cared about the whole of human and creature-kind and made this world a better place through his art. Surviving are his loving wife of 44 years, Janine M. Eby; Daughter, Alison (Jeremy) Gerardot; Grandchildren, Cole and Claire Gerardot, Sister, Maureen Clauser all of Fort Wayne, IN; brother, Jess Eby (Janet Nichols) of Indianapolis, IN and the family dog Buster. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, James F. and Najo C. Eby, and his sweet dog Lucy. Service is 10:30 am, Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home 1140 Lake Ave. Fort Wayne, IN, with Paul Demaree officiating, with calling one hour prior. Calling also Monday, January 16, 2017, from 2 - 5 & 7 - 9 pm at the funeral home. Burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne, Indiana. A celebratory open mic will take place on Saturday, January 21st from 1-5p at Wunderkammer Company. In lieu of flower memorials may be made to Sweetwater Sound Academy Scholarship Fund in memory of Duane Eby or Ft. Wayne Animal Care and Control or Fort Wayne Rescue Mission.