Dr. Duane Earl Whitmire, 77, of Maumee, Ohio passed away February 27, 2025. He was born June 1, 1947, at home near Delta, Ohio to Leroy and Leta (Gaudern) Whitmire. He graduated from Liberty Center High School in 1965 and Bowling Green State University in 1968 and 1971. He also received his Ph.D. from the University of Toledo in higher education administration in 1976.
Duane married his best friend and love of his life, Diane, on June 8, 1968, in Liberty Center. They are the parents of three sons, David (Annie) of Holland, Ohio; Douglas (Jessica) of Chicago, Illinois; and Daniel (Kelli) of Northville, Michigan.
As a father, he was proud to follow the boys many basketball, baseball, and football games. As a grandfather, he enjoyed attending the various athletic events of all the grandchildren. Traveling with Diane was always a source of pleasure as they visited all 50 states, took many cruises to the Caribbean (and Alaska), and annually spent three months a year in Florida at Disney World Resorts and The Villages. Their most recent trip was on the Rocky Mountaineer Train to the Canadian Rockies.
BGSU was a central part of his and Diane’s lives, as both were employed there for many years. As Registrar and Director of multiple student-oriented offices, Duane also served on the BGSU Alumni Board of Directors after he retired. He was associated with many “firsts” at the University including the first Mentor Handbook for UNIV 100, first computerized transcript file, first Technology Resources Handbook, and first Director of Student Money Management Services. He also worked on numerous projects for the President’s Office including BGSupernet and Beyond Bursarables. As Falcon fans, Duane and Diane attended many football, women’s basketball, and baseball games when David was an Assistant Baseball Coach at BGSU.
Duane was very active in retirement as he continued to work part-time on projects for BGSU. He also became an avid pickle ball player at their Waterside retirement community, and he biked or walked on a daily basis. Going out with Waterside friends on a regular basis was enjoyable for both Diane and him. He also volunteered for the Metroparks of the Toledo Area and Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio. One of his proudest moments was walking enough steps to circle around the world which he achieved.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Rolin and Cecil.
Along with his wife of 56 years, Diane, Duane is survived by his sons David (Annie), Douglas (Jessica) and Daniel (Kelli) and grandchildren Tanner, Camren, Cale, Tate, Caden, Colton, Carson, Caitlin, Jack and Grace.
Visitation will be held on Monday March 3, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 W. Wooster St. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday March 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bowling Green. Additional visitation will be held Tuesday morning at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be given to BG Youth Baseball at Carter Park, PO Box 208 Bowling Green, Ohio 43402; or H.O.O.V.E.S 4055 Wilkins Road Swanton, Ohio 43558, a program for Veterans who struggle with PTSD helping and guiding through the powerful connection with horses; or a charity of the donor’s choice.
To leave an online condolence or fond memory with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
