David Allen Dudley

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

Dave was born April 3, 1951, in Findlay, OH, to Allen Porter and Ruth A. (Campbell) Dudley. He is survived by his lifelong spousal equivalent, Vicki S. Fox of Blacklick, OH; daughters, Amber (Derek) Senn of Minot, ND, Aris Johnson of Johnsburg, IL, and Elizabeth (Sean) Crosby of Cameron, SC; three grandchildren, Cooper and Nessa Johnson and Link Crosby; nieces, Kim (Philip) Nodoro of Califon, NJ, and Stacia Masingill of Bow, NH; and many dear friends in Findlay, Lima, Columbus and across the country. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Susan Whitehouse of Morristown, NJ.

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 as a reporter at The Republican Courier in Findlay. 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.

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