Kenneth Ray Duke

Kenneth Duke (“Duke”) entered into eternal rest on the morning of Thursday, January 19, 2017 at the age of 93.

Ken was born in Magna, Utah on November 30, 1923. He was the second youngest child of 10 children, born to Florence and Allen Parcell Duke all of whom preceded him in death except his youngest sister, Jennalee Duke (Reed).

Duke is survived by his wife of 68 years, Alice Marie Duke, and together they raised six children; Laurel Baronian, Teri Brozino, Kandace Hawkins (Wayne), Beverly Munson (Ken), Kenneth Ray Duke II (Linda), and David Duke (Sheila). He was a loving and Godly example to his children, 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Ken, known as Papa by his grandchildren, will be remembered for all the fun times as he taught everyone how to swim, could always be found reading bedtime stories together, and loved playing sweet pranks. He will live forever in our memories.

Unanimously, people that knew Duke would describe him as one of the kindest men they ever knew. His family was graced with his selfless gentle spirit, unwavering integrity, and charitable gifting. Ken had a deep love for sports; baseball, basketball and football and spent many years coaching his children and grandchildren's sports teams. In his retirement he played badminton and loved to ride bikes, making many road trips across country. Ken was very active in his riding group, The San Antonio Wheelmen where they rode 40 to 60 miles in any given day. He was an avid swimmer and loved to work in his garden. Any other time he would choose to spend time with the family, enjoying many dinners together. He was a lifelong, active member in his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where for many years served in the Priesthood, was a home teacher, a volunteer with the church Temple, served as a counselor in the church employment center and worked on the church farms.

Duke graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. He served his country in the United States Navy and retired with the Air Force after 26 years at the rank of Lt. Colonel. He served in three wars, WWII, The Korean and Viet Nam Wars as a navigator and an intelligence communications officer. Upon military retirement, Duke worked for the Texas Employment Commission for 15 years.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm at the LDS Church at 8801 Midcrown Drive, with a chapel service to follow at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at Ft. Sam Houston on Friday, February 3, 2017 at 10:30 am.

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Funeral Home, San Antonio, Texas.