Birth date: Aug 22, 1942 Death date: Apr 6, 2026
Duane J. Smith, passed away on April 6, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on August 22, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio. Duane was the beloved husband of 55 years to the late Marlene S. Smith. He was a loving father to Jennifer Smith and Tim Read Obituary
My favorite memories of Duane were while I was a student and graduated student at BW. I worked for the football team and I loved getting to help Duane paint the stadium, cut the grass or just hang out and ride on the Gator all over campus! My husband played football and worked for Duane too. We both believe that was the kindest, most loving soul and he treated us like we were part of his family. After graduation, I loved coming back to BW and I made sure to see him, always getting the biggest hugs. We will miss him greatly. ❤️🙏 Prayers to the family. He was a big part of the heart that made BW such a special place.
P.S. I forgot to mention that my son Geoff is a BWC graduate and worked all four years with Kevin Ruple as a Sports Information Assistant and has been doing that at the University of Olivet (sister school of Oberlin College) for 25 years since he graduated from BWC in 1991.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you for the best of everything. God bless. NOTES: I visited with Dad quite a few times when I went to Baldwin-Wallace College to cover an athletic event for the Elyria Chronicle newspaper; he was a great individual and and always was a a person to have as a friend.
Very sorry to learn of Duane's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Duane was a dedicated BW employee, our Yellow Jacket teams would not have been as successful without his support. The key "behind the scene" individual responsible for many successful BW athletic events.
I'm so sorry to hear of Duane's passing and pray he did not suffer too long. He was a good man and will surely be missed. Terry Dobos
