David Dudley Obituary

David Allen Dudley

David Allen "Dave" Dudley, 73, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, at his home with the love of his life holding his hand and his favorite music playing.

Dave was born April 3, 1951, in Findlay, to Allen Porter and Ruth A. (Campbell) Dudley.

He is survived by his lifelong spousal equivalent, Vicki S. Fox of Blacklick; daughters, Amber (Derek) Senn of Minot, North Dakota, Aris Johnson of Johnsburg, Illinois, and Elizabeth (Sean) Crosby of Cameron, South Carolina; three grandchildren, Cooper and Nessa Johnson and Link Crosby; nieces, Kim (Philip) Nodoro of Califon, New Jersey, and Stacia Masingill of Bow, New Hampshire; and many dear friends in Findlay, Lima, Columbus, and across the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Susan Whitehouse of Morristown, New Jersey.

Like his musical father, Dave ("Duds") was a legendary keyboard player in many Findlay and regional bands for over 50 years including Naked Onion, That Damn Band, and most recently The Reunion Band and Millstream Mojo Blues Band. Fellow musicians were both friends and fans.

A 1969 graduate of Findlay High School, Dave was president of the band and voted most friendly in his class. He attended Syracuse University and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1973, when he began working full-time as a reporter at The Republican-Courier. It was there that he started his journalism career as the television schedule writer while still in junior high school. He covered many local beats and left the local newspaper as city editor. He later worked in real estate, beverage management, database development and, what he loved most, as a musician.

Humble and never comfortable with attention, Dave did not want a funeral or memorial service. His request was to be cremated and enter a new life as a tree, ideally planted at Riverside Park in Findlay near the Allen P. Dudley Memorial Bandshell.

Music was at the center of everything Dave loved. One of his last comments to Vicki was "All I ever wanted to do was play music and make you happy." He did both so very well.

Please join us for a celebration of the man and his music at 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at The Fern Café in Findlay, with music to follow.