Duane Leroy Fish

Duane Fish departed this world unexpectedly in the early morning of April 13th, at his home in Overland Park. Duane was a Christian man who had a very close relationship with his Heavenly Father. He grew up in Mansfield, OH. Some of his best memories of growing up were the years he spent in Boy Scouts. His proudest achievement was achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Ohio State University with a major in Finance and Accounting. He was Buckeye through and through and left many good like-minded friends. He went to many a Bucks game and came home so hoarse he couldn’t talk for a week. Go Bucks!

Duane never met a stranger and was kind beyond words. His word was his word, as strong a bond as could be. He could be counted on to be there and to help when he saw any need.

His whole career was spent with United Telephone of Ohio, which eventually morphed into Sprint. He retired from Sprint in 2010 leaving many beloved friends behind.

He and his wife, Carol, were friends since childhood, had been together for 30 years and celebrated their 25th Anniversary in 2011. His son, Brett Teer, was blessed to have this loving, fun and totally devoted “new Dad” in his life from age 9 forward. It was a role Duane fulfilled with great love and pride. It was beautiful watching them share Scouting, travel, camping, racing, reading and so many other things that only a father and son can understand.

Duane and his wife shared everything in life, including thoughts and unfinished sentences. He loved travel, especially to his very special spot on Ft. Myers Beach, FL, and to Hilton Head, SC. He loved nature, gardening, birds and animals of all species, reading (especially Nelson DeMille novels), and grew up going to the Indy 500 with his dad. The Indy 500 was a passion he then passed on to Carol, Brett, and his “second son” Carlos.

He leaves to mourn his passing: his loving wife; son Brett and daughter-in-law Molly; a brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Ariel, of Mansfield, OH; several precious nieces and their families; numerous cousins and innumerable friends. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Lewis and Nettie Fish. Also left are his devoted “furry children”: puppy Bailey; and kitties Maggie and Gracie, as well as his “grandpuppy” Lola, in whom he found great joy. Rest in eternal peace, our precious Duane, until we are together again.

“When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” Kahlil Gibran

A Celebration of Life service will be 12:00 pm, Monday, April 23, at Unity Church of Overland Park, 10300 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Feed the Children or to HSUS (Humane Society of the United States). Please offer condolences at www.mcgilleyhoge.com.