Rev. Kenneth C. Duke

A retired minister and native of Jackson, Tenn., he died at 5:25 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at his residence in Denham Springs at age 73. He received his bachelor's degree from Mississippi College, Clinton, Miss., did post-graduate studies at Southern Seminary, Louisville, Ky., MRE and graduated from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, with a master's degree in divinity. Rev. Duke served churches in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama over the past 48 years. He retired in August 2005 from First Baptist Church of Gretna. Visitation at Northside Baptist Church of Denham Springs on Tuesday, April 14, from 6:30 p.m. until memorial service at 7 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Dr. Rick Erwin, of Nederland, Texas. Survived by his wife of 46 years, Patricia Erwin Duke, of Denham Springs; daughter, Nannette Duke Barr, of Denham Springs; son, Kenneth Duke Jr., of Baton Rouge; son-in-law, Lee Barr; granddaughters, Saydee Barr and Anndee Barr; niece, Charlotte Duke, of Lake Mary, Fla.; and nephew, Mike Duke and his family, of Russellville, Ala. Preceded in death by his father, Travis Duke; mother, Velma Duke; and brother, the Rev. James Duke. Rev. Duke was a dear, sweet man who was a preacher of God's word and a pastor of God's people. He will be missed. Memorial donations may be made to "Threads of Love" atwww.threadsoflove.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.threadsoflove.org">www.threadsoflove.org. Arrangements by Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd.