John D. Duke Sr.

Besides his great love and pride in his family, John’s second love was flying. He was a pilot for 66 years and a licensed aircraft mechanic. He was also a long time member of the El Dorado Civil Air Patrol, flying many search missions for downed aircraft. John was also a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in El Dorado.

John is preceded in death by both his parents; sister, Vonnie Stevens; and her son, Lonnie Lee Valentine all of Jena, LA.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Mary Alice Duke; children, John D. Duke, Jr. of Angleton, TX, Benny Lee Duke of Lowell, AR, and Kerry Ann Gilchrist of Midlothian, TX; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great- great grandchild.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at Young’s with Rev. Sye Duke and Rev. Mike Gilchrist officiating. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. after the service at Weldon Cemetery in Bernice, LA while under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, November 26, 2012 at Young’s.

Pall Bears are Darcy Stevens, Ricky Rea, Rodney Rea, Mike Makepeace, Danny Rea, Craig Spohn, and Bob Harris.