Memorial
Duane Evan Cummings was born on September 3, 1952, in Le Mars Iowa. He was the third of four children born to Vera Mae (Reeves) and Glen Alfred Cummings, who provided him with a good Christian upbringing. Monday, December 22, 2025, at the age of 73, he passed away in Cedar Rapids, following a month-long struggle with metastatic liver cancer, also referred to as bile duct cancer.
When Duane was approximately seven years old, his family moved to the NE Iowa area, living on various farms where he developed his good Midwest work ethic. Once he graduated from high school he became a factory worker until his father’s death, at which point he returned to farming and helped care for his widowed mother until her death. In his mid-forties, Duane returned to factory work where he remained until his retirement in 2014. In 2008, he moved from rural Palo to SW Cedar Rapids. Much to the surprise of family and friends on October 7, 2022 he married his neighbor, Sue Graham and got her two dogs, Zeke and Artie, in the bargain; who quickly became his loyal companions. During his retirement years he enjoyed spending his time mowing lawns, snow blowing, and maintaining a garden that provided an abundance of produce to share. Since his marriage he attended Maranatha Bible Church, prior to that for several decades he attended First Church of the Nazarene (Recently renamed Infuse).
Surviving are his three siblings: Arlen (Alice), Alvin, and Marlene (Russ) Boots; four nephews and one niece; five great nephews and two great nieces. Also remaining are his wife, Sue Graham-Cummings and her sister Jane Graham-Gamble (Lee). Preceding him in death were his parents and both sets of grandparents.
SATURDAY JANUARY 3, 2026: A casual Open House will be held from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, serving a light lunch with some of Duane’s favorite foods. Then a brief 30-40 minute service will follow the Open House. Feel free to come for as long as your schedule permits. Both activities will be held at Maranatha Bible Church in The COMMONS Building, which is located across the street from the sanctuary. Park in the church lot on the corner of 6th St. and 4th Ave. SW and enter the building from the back doors (closest to the parking lot). Zero entry handicap door is available at the “Prayer Entrance”. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Maranatha Bible Church of Cedar Rapids, Infuse Nazarene Church of Cedar Rapids, or a charitable organization of your choice.
Cedar Memorial is assisting the family with cremation and burial.