Born on April 24, 1968 in Fort Wayne, IN, to the late Wayne Sterling and Margaret May DePew-Ramey.
Duane grew up in Fort Wayne, living half his life at home with both parents until his mother became hospitalized with a life-long illness. Subsequently, Duane's sole caregiver was his father until his father's death in 2004. Duane's home life was filled with his family's love, his involvement with Mabel Holland School, and his passion for the television remote and paper towel.
Eventually, in 2004, Duane moved into his first group home managed by a company named, "Your Friends and Neighbors," until they closed, at which point, he moved into an AWS group home that later became known as Benchmark. During this time of his life, Duane was active in his home life and his participation in his group homes workshops. No matter where Duane found himself, he was met with love from his fellow residents and staff. It didn't matter what group home he was at, Duane was always known as the head of the house. If there was something to be fixed, he would let you know.
Duane is survived by sister, Cynthia Ramey-Smeltzer.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Carolyn M. Ramey and Darlene Ramey-Millette-Lampkins-McKinley and associated with the Stuller family. He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Merlene Williams and Lewis Ramey and maternal grandparents, Harrison DePew and Francine Matairy, of France.
Visitation will be held at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services - Mungovan, 2114 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802, on November 20, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location at 5 pm.
Burial at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, IN.
