Duke Edward Rushing

Duke was born in Vidor TX to Wade and Estelle Rushing on February 14, 1948. Duke proudly joined the United States Marine Corps after high school in 1968. He served in the Vietnam war from 1969-1970. Duke was in Fox Company 2nd Battalion 1st Marines. His squad was called the “MOD SQUAD”. Duke also received the Navy Commendation Medal distinguished with a combat “V” for Valor. A True American Hero, warrior, and patriot.

Duke is survived by his wife Lusiana, his children Duke Jr. and Dina, his grandchildren Darrin and Haley, including his bonus grandkids Jacob and Balle, son-in-law Jason, brother Norman, sister Glenda and of course his Marine brothers. Duke and Lucy met February 14th, 1970; the day after he returned home from Vietnam. Three days later Duke asked Lucy to marry him, and they were married 6 months later on August 29th, 1970. They have been married for 53 years and raised their family in Brea, CA. While working fulltime and raising his family, he managed to find time to go to college fulltime where he received his bachelor’s degree at Cal State University of Fullerton. Duke was a wonderful husband and father; his family was the most important thing to him. Duke made sure to always be involved in everything while raising his kids, he was either coaching their team or being Team Dad. Duke not only loved his wife, but he adored her. Their love was kind, compassionate, generous and nurturing; a love so sweet and pure, a very special love. When Duke became a papa his entire world changed. He said he never knew there was a love like this before. He absolutely adored his grandchildren and made sure he was always a big part of their lives, he was always an amazing male role model and never missed a special moment.

Duke was tough as nails and full of masculinity, yet he had the biggest heart. He loved everyone and was full of empathy and kindness, including all animals. He had such a loving heart and would help anyone in need. He will always be remembered by his silly sense of humor and his love of making people laugh. He loved telling stories and jokes, and you could be assured if he told you a joke and you laughed, he would tell it over and over. His smile and laugh would light up any room he walked into. Even while sick and going through chemotherapy, Duke would always make the nurses and everyone around him laugh.

He left us on Veterans Day which was fitting because he was a very proud Marine. Duke was at home, surrounded by family when he lost his battle to cancer. He will truly be missed by all. The world may have lost a wonderful human, but heaven gained a true angel.

Semper Fidelis SGT. Duke “TEX” Rushing