Wiley Francis Duke, Jr. went to Heaven on Thursday August 3rd 2023. He was 98 years old and a lifetime resident of Baton Rouge. Wiley was from a large family filled with sensational love. He graduated from Catholic High School (Class of ‘44) and was a running back on the football team. He served in WWII as a Staff Sargent, U.S. Army Company “C” 151st Battalion under Gen. George S. Patton. He was wounded on Christmas Day in 1944. He was awarded Overseas Service Bar, Good Conduct Medal, Eastern European Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Metal, 3- Bronze Service Stars, Oak Leaf Cluster and a Purple Heart. Wiley loved to go fishing, gardening and watching LSU sports. He was an avid LSU fan. His family and friends meant the most to him. Wiley is survived by his amazing wife and love of his life for 74 years, Audrey L. Duke; son Ensley J. Duke; granddaughters: Holly D. Lejeune and Jacqueline C. Kilcrease. He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Michael, Amelia, Maddie Mae, Kaland, AnnaBelle, Patrick and Warren; his siblings: Benjamin Duke, Beverly Tucker, Margaret Farmer and Judy Newby; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wiley F. Duke, Sr. and Mamie Hinson Duke; siblings: Willie E. Duke, Louise Materiste, Jane E. Duke, William Duke, Peggy Stockwell, June Dodd, Jack Duke, Earl Duke and Alice Pope. Visitation will be 10am followed by mass at 11am at St. Aloyisus Church, 2025 Stuart Ave., Baton Rouge on Friday August 11th 2023. Burial to be at Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge. Reception will follow. Pallbearers are Irvin J. LeBlanc, Jr., Gary LeBlanc, Steve Farmer, Jensen Esneault, Jeff Betz and Mike Sampite. Honorary Pallbearers are Steve Fourrier, Bo Bienvenue, Robert Marler, Leonard Dodd and Michael Geeck. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
