Obituary: Duane Ely, 73, of Walhalla

Duane Ely

Obituary: Duane Ely, 73, of Walhalla

Duane Robert Ely, 73, of Walhalla passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at home.  Duane was born on May 14, 1950 in Muskegon Township, the son of Robert D. and Marvel V. (Eagle) Ely and graduated from Mason County Eastern High School with the class of 1968.  On February 17, 1973, he married Martha M. Pitcher, (a graduate of Mason County Central High School in 1972) at the Bachelor Evangelical Covenant Church of Sheridan Township by Rev. Fred Stewart, and they would have celebrated 51 years together later this month.

Duane worked at the Great Casting Corporation before his motorcycle accident, which paralyzed him on his left side May 10,1975. He later furthered his education at West Shore Community College earning his associate degree in arts and sciences.  Duane loved to spend time hunting, whether with a gun or bow, and became a craftsman in reloading ammo to assist his hobby.  He served his community by volunteering as a T-ball and softball coach for several years, and helped organize a neighborhood watch to keep their community a safe place to live.  His disabilities from the accident did not deter his ability to enjoy life and fill a room with laughter.  One of the things Duane always looked forward to every week was his Sunday afternoon Yahtzee sessions with his daughter Theresa.

Duane will be greatly missed by his wife Martha; his son Michael Lee Ely of Walhalla; his daughter Theresa Marie Ely of Ludington; his brother Randy (Julie) Ely of Ravenna; his sister Sherry Whitlow of Gatesville, Texas; his sisters-in-law Margaret Ely of Ravenna and Linda Bartlett of Port St Lucie, Fla.; his-brothers-in-law Roger Pitcher of Fountain, and Lester Pitcher of Branch; and his best friend Tony Wilbur of Fountain; along with many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Marvel, and his brother Douglas Ely.

Funeral services will be held for Duane at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 9 at the Bachelor Evangelical Covenant Church with burial to follow at Bachelor Cemetery.  Friends may meet with his family prior to the services on Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at the church.  Those who wish to remember Duane with a memorial donation are asked to please consider the American Lung Association.