Edwin Duane Fouse passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife of 58 years, Carolyn, by his side and his three living children, Jennifer, Edwin Jr. and Erich. The last few days of his life were filled with stories and memories, the start of football season and his Ohio State Buckeyes winning their opening game 77-10, music, his children and wife helping hospice to care for him. Though Duane was not able to speak, he responded to meaningful interactions with humor and love. The night before his death, Carolyn went to his hospital bed and asked him to “move over and let her climb into bed with him.” He promptly began to try and move and make room and puckered up for a kiss. He smiled when we told the story of his beloved Fiats and the fact he actually ran over Erich once when Erich fell out of the convertible when they were driving. He smiled and hummed Script OHIO with the Ohio State Band at half time, he so loved that tradition. He hummed along to Glow worm by the Mills Brothers to his beloved Carolyn during his last few hours with us. His last few days and hours were filled with love and happiness with the people he loved most.
Duane was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania and eventually landed in Grandview, Ohio and graduated from Grandview High School in 1954. He met Carolyn on a blind date his junior year in high school, of course she attended Upper Arlington High School, a rival high school to Grandview. Carolyn and Duane both attended The Ohio State University and were married upon their graduation in 1958. They settled in Upper Arlington near Carolyn's parents Dr. Roy and Helen Secrest. After the pre-mature birth and death of their first child Michael, Carolyn and Duane had their only daughter, Jennifer and their son Edwin Jr.
Duane and Carolyn relocated to Toledo, Ohio for Duane's job in the telecommunications industry. There they added son Erich to the family. Their family was complete except for the addition of all the dogs dad loved through his life. Duane and Carolyn created wonderful memories and made many friends in Toledo. They relocated back to Upper Arlington in 1969 and would stay there until 1976. Duane was a manager for Ohio Bell and continued is work while Carolyn stayed busy with the three active children and volunteering in the community.
In 1976, Duane was promoted to a position with AT & T in Morristown, New Jersey. Once again the family moved and set up their home in Pottersville, New Jersey. The two oldest children would graduate from high school in New Jersey and so many wonderful memories were made. Trips to New York for shows, eating at the Little Italian Kitchen and Brass Penny, and other memories to last a life time. Most of all, it was he and Carolyn's dedication to their family and their love that moved the Fouse family forward in life. Duane continued to advance in his career goals and was very successful in his management position at AT & T. In 1981, Duane was made a Divisional Manager for A T & T and relocated to Park City, Utah, where they would live for the next 28 years. During this time they welcomed six grandchildren into their lives, made many friends, Carolyn went to work at St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she would work for almost 20 years. Duane worked at Deer Valley Ski Resort after his retirement and also volunteered at the church. These were happy times for Carolyn and Duane and they have many memories and friends still in Utah.
As Duane's health problems began to get worse, they made the move to a home they purchased in Palm Bay, Florida, close to their son Edwin Jr. During this time they welcomed five great grandchildren to their family and continued to enjoy their time together. During this time Duane and Carolyn and their dogs enjoyed being together, spending time with Ed and his wife Olivia, welcoming many visitors to their home, especially family from Denver and Seattle. These were quiet years filled with focusing on each other and taking care of each other. Taking care of Duane and doctor's visits, rehabilitation from surgery and general care giving has been what Carolyn has done for the past seven years. Carolyn even arranged for hospice to come set up in the home and she participated fully day and night with Duane's care and made sure he was comfortable and peaceful.
Duane is survived by his wife Carolyn, his children Jennifer (Thomas) Grajewski, Edwin (Olivia) Fouse, and Erich (Hethyr) Fouse. Grandchildren Elizabeth (Michael) Johnson, Jacob Grajewski, Anna Grajewski, Katharine Grajewski, Kaeden Fouse and Isaak Fouse. Great-grandchildren Jamie Johnson, Harper Johnson, Noah Johnson, Joshua Grajewski and Helen (Nell) Johnson. He is also survived by sister Donna (Ron) Keaton, and Marjorie Goldberg.
Duane's life was dedicated to his family and to making everyone around him feel good. His love of life, sense of humor and creativity made everyone who knew him feel better about life. He would do anything he could to help others and was one of the most compassionate and empathetic people around. Duane is no longer in pain and his family knows that they have a very special angel looking down upon them.
