Donnie Ray Duke

Donnie Ray Duke (Don), age 83, of Tyler, Texas, passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2021, in Tyler, Texas. He was born on Tuesday, December 28, 1937, in Blair, Oklahoma to his parents, Estellar Savanah Hudson Duke & Audie Thomas Duke.

Don was the youngest of eight children. He graduated from Warren High School in Blair, Oklahoma on May 16, 1957. After graduation, he made his way to Texas where he met and married the love of his life, Bobbie Jean Wilson Duke, on Saturday, November 16, 1957, in Tyler, Texas. A true love story for 64 year of trials and tribulations, but always enduring love.

Don was retired from Kelly Springfield Tire Company for many years and enjoyed being outside and working in his yard, fishing, hunting, traveling and most of all, spending time with his family. He was a self-taught master mechanic and enjoyed restoring vintage vehicles to all their glory with the added benefit of a legal street rod. Don enjoyed participating for many years as part of street rod clubs and "Rod Runs." He had a humble and hard childhood during the years after the Great Depression where he picked cotton and peanuts on his family farm.

During his retirement, Don was forever grateful to travel and see the world with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Together, he and his loved ones made wonderful, magical and lasting memories.

Mr. Duke is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Bobbie Duke; two children, Tammy Matus & spouse Andy Richardson of McKinney, Texas, and Todd Duke, of Tyler, Texas; six grandchildren, Jordan Matus & spouse Shannon of Azle, Texas; Taylor Matus of McKinney, Texas; Kathryn McElroy & spouse Ryan of Waxahachie, Texas; Josh Duke & spouse Lindsey of Tyler, Texas; Corbin Duke & spouse Haley of Magnolia; Texas, and Jade Sparks & spouse Chance of Tyler, Texas. Seven Great Grandchildren, Stella McElroy, Evie McElroy, Hattie McElroy, Hadley Parks, Claire Parks, Roman Duke and Asher Duke.

Mr. Duke is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

A private memorial service was held for close family on November 20, 2021.

Arrangements were entrusted to Tyler Memorial Funeral Home.