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Obituary for Lowell E. "Duke" Anderson
Lowell E. “Duke” Anderson, age 86, of Caldwell, Ohio, died Saturday, March 31, 2018, at his home. He was born March 22, 1932, in Reading, Ohio, son of the late Joseph Melvin and Sophia Christine McKinney Anderson. He was a 1950 graduate of Lockland High School, and a 1954 graduate of Ohio University in Athens where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Xavier University in Cincinnati (1959-1960). He was a United States Army veteran, serving as a 1st lieutenant. He was stationed from 1954-1956 at the Atlanta General Depot. He was honorably discharged in 1956 and for six years was a member of the inactive reserves (1956-1962).
Duke was a devoted athlete. At Lockland High School (1946-1950), he was the starting center for the 1948 team. He was team captain his junior and senior years. Duke also received high school honors at Lockland. He graduated ninth in his class of 64 members. He received 1st team All- Cincinnati football – 1949; 1st team Cincinnati basketball – 1949-1950; and he received an athletic scholarship to attend Ohio University, 1950-1954. Duke was named captain of the Ohio University Bobcat football team, winning their first MAC championship in 1953. He was honored by being named to the 1st team All MAC and 1st team All-Ohio. Duke also played on the Ohio University baseball team in 1953-1954, and he was a relief pitcher for Coach Bob Wren’s team. They won the MAC title both years. In 1990, Duke was inducted into the Ohio University Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements, and in 1992, he was inducted into the Lockland High School Hall of Fame.
He was employed as a teacher and coach for Lockland High School (1956-59), Norwood High School (1959-63) and as assistant principal for Norwood from 1963-68. He served as superintendent for Caldwell Exempted Village Schools from 1968-88, and was a member of Caldwell Village Council from 1996-2012. He was also served two terms as mayor of Caldwell. Duke was a member of the Ohio University Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee for 8 years, a member of the Ohio University – Zanesville Advisory Council for 7 years, a member of the National Alumni Committee for Ohio University for 6 years, and a member of the Zane State University Foundation Committee for 4 years. He also served as treasurer for the First Presbyterian Church in Caldwell from 1996- present.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Sallie Adsit Anderson, who died February 15, 1993; and one brother, Joseph M. Anderson, Jr.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Jane Farley Yontz Anderson, whom he married October 12, 1997; two children, Kelly J. (Gary) Ruppel of Caldwell and Paul F. (Nancy) Anderson of Cincinnati; two step-daughters, Susan Yontz (Matt Weaver) of East Lansing, Michigan and Terry Schwab of Columbus; one brother, John William Anderson of Cincinnati; 9 grandchildren, Sallie Ann Samolitis, Kimberly Sue Samolitis, Crystal Marie Bierman, Brooke Schwab,Kara Schwab, Lucas G. (Alina) Hughes, Reva M. (Brook) Steed, Brian J. Ruppel, and Kate L. Ruppel (Derick Curtis); 6 great-grandchildren, Hope Schwab, Ava Rogers, Logan Steed, Riley and Hailey Ruppel, and Sterling Curtis; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be observed Saturday, April 7, 2018, at 2PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 532 North Street, Caldwell, with Rev. Mary Jane Knapp officiating. Private inurnment will be observed by the family at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cincinnati. McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, is caring for the family.
