A wonderful man and great friend to my parents, Kendall and Lorraine Bruns. Heaven is having a good laugh now.

Below is the Eulogy that was read at Duke's service:

First of all, on behalf of the Doudna family I'd like to thank you all for the prayers, love, and support you have given us during this difficult time. We appreciate all you have done for us, and we are sure Duke does as well.
As we gather here for our final farewell to Duke, let's remember the man he was. A son, brother, uncle, father, a husband of 60 years to Clara.  In fact, they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving Day surrounded by nearly all of their family. He was a father of 7, grandfather of 15 and great grandfather of 5.
  
Duke was a people person, and I am sure many of us have our own fond remembrances of time spent with him. He was a golfer, business owner, die-hard Cubs and Packer's fan, and prolific traveler, enjoying numerous trips abroad as well as visiting nearly every state in our country. 
 
Duke was also very active in his community. He was a long-time member and former president of the Seminole Lion's Club. Most recently, he was a volunteer of 20 years to his fellow veterans here at Bay Pines in the nursing home, where we are sure he brought his unique brand of humor and personality to all.
  
But most of all, Duke was a United States Marine. He joined at the age of 17, and as a young Marine, was given the assignment of guard at the trials of Nazi officers following World War II. He was very sure to point out that only Marines with good behavior were given this honor. He later served in Korea and Vietnam. Duke received numerous commendations during his time as a Marine, including the Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation. Duke's twenty-one years spent as a Marine truly defined him.

I'll always remember the photo Duke gave my son, Ryan.  It was a picture of Duke in full uniform, on which he had written “Stay pure and true to God, country, and family and you will have a wonderful life.  Love, Grandpa Duke” Those were obviously more than just words to Duke, as they summarized how he lived his life and what he thought of the results.  It was the example he set for those he loved, and the legacy he hoped to see carried on.

It is said that in a soldier's eyes, “fear is courage leaving the body”. Duke was a soldier to the end, never really letting on to the pain and hardships his body was enduring. In the end, he was surrounded by his wife, all his children, including son Kurt, whom we would like to believe was there, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Duke will be greatly missed, but we are comforted by the fact that he lives on… in the little ones most of all, as they begin new adventures and encounter all life has to offer. Life truly does go on.

Semper Fi, Duke, Semper Fi.

My best memories are of a proud man, full of love for his family, his country and his fellow man.  How lucky the Veterans who received care at our medical center and our staff have been to have had him be part of our health care team.   
To his family, thank you for allowing me to know him for a short time.
Derenda S. McCook
Chief, Voluntary Service
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dana and her family. We are sorry for your loss. 
The Lawerys (St. Petersburg, FL)

My thoughts are with Aunt Clara and all the family. I have fond memories of Uncle Duke trying to teach me to sink in his backyard pool and of him and dad jumping in and removing most of the water. He will be missed.

We miss you very much Grandpa. I know I have big shoes to fill with my nickname 'Duke'. Please watch over us in Heaven. Love you.

May memories bring all of you comfort at this difficult time.  Claire, Dawn and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

We are so lucky to have had such a wonderful Grandfather and Great Grandfather. We love you and will always miss you.

Sympathy and prayers go out to "Dukes" family.  Ellie and I were lucky to have been volunteering with you at Bay Pines VA.  We will miss you terribly but I know you will continue to be there in our thoughts and prayers.

My heartfelt sympathy to all the family.  He will be missed.  Ed always had such nice things to say about him.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marge Gartrell,  Norwalk, Ct.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Thornton "Duke" Edgar Doudna

16 mai 1929 – 21 décembre 2011

Serenity Funeral Home & Serenity Gardens Memorial Park

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