Troy Don Duke

Troy was born August 4, 1970 in Dallas, Texas to Brenda Joyce Wariner and Darrell Eugene Duke.

Troy resided in Arlington, Texas.

Survivors include: mother, Brenda Howard and step-dad, Wayne Howard of Tolar, TX; father, Darrell Duke of Evening Shade, AR; sister, Rhonda Ahrlett and her husband Phillip Ahrlett and their children Latrisha Ahrlett and Aaron Ahrlett as well as one great niece, Landynn Ahrlett of Arlington, TX; sister, Cheryl Hughes, her husband Joseph Hughes and their children Dylan Hughes and Elizebeth Hughes of Arlington, TX; brother, Tracy Duke of Evening Shade, AR; maternal grandmother, Peggy Wariner of Grand Prairie, TX; two step-sons, Adam Parker, his wife Marie and their children,Katelin,Leeanna, and Kenneth & Aaron Parker, his wife Ana and their children Trinity, Tacoma, and Tucker, both families reside in TX; several aunts and uncles; three step-siblings, Brandon Howard, Brent Howard, and Kassie Price all of Irving, TX; and an affluence of half-brothers and half-sisters.

Troy Don was preceded in death by Cynthia Denise Duke, sister; Horace Delbert Wariner, maternal grandfather; Dolphus Eugene Duke, paternal grandfather; Essie Rea Duke, paternal grandmother.

Troy always portrayed a positive attitude and looked at the future "One Day at a Time." He tried so hard not to let anyone know if he was hurting in any way because he did not want them to worry about him. Troy was the voice of reason and support for so many people. He offered himself to others in the way they needed at the time, a listener, a confidant, an authority, and someone that you could spend time with to forget about things. Troy was compassionate, enduring, and had massive heart for everyone around him.

The Memorial will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2012 beginning at 12:30 and ending at 3:30 with the close of a tailgate celebration of Troy's life. The location is 910 N. Collins Street.

Please call or text Rhonda Ahrlett at 817-223-9003 for further details.

Clothing style is casual as this was the chosen attire worn by Troy. And don't forget the Cowboy Blue as a tribute to Troy.

Please bring lawn chairs as seating is not provided.

BIOGRAPHY:

Troy was a kind hearted and serious child with a desire to please and a need to do things right. These admirable traits are something that he carried with him through out his life.

He attended schools in both Texas and Arkansas and graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1989 with honors as the Salutatorian, Class President, and Student Council Representative. He was the recipient of the 1989 Superintendent's Citizen's Award and also received awards in Journalism, German, and Trigonometry. Troy then went on to graduate 3rd in his class with a ninety-six percentile from Gateway Technical College in Batesville, Arkansas with a degree in Industrial Equipment Technology and received an award for Student of the Quarter for the third semester.

Troy resided in Arlington, Texas and worked as the Office Manager at QW Express in Haslet, Texas where he was well respected and endeared by everyone that he worked with.

Troy's favorite things in this life other then family and friends were his HAT, his truck, tailgating, 80's music, a few movies;" Where the Red Fern Grows", "Old Yeller", and "Boondock Saints", the book "Peanuts" written by Charles Schultz, Abuelo's Mexican Food, wings, bratwurst, Dr. Pepper, Big Red, cold Coors Light, Jagermeister, peanuts, Reece's, banana pudding, and Facebook.

Troy had two passions in life. Dallas Cowboys Football was the first. He would have rather been at the stadium than anywhere else. He never missed watching a game and was a dedicated fan who supported the team regardless of the circumstances. He lived and breathed Dallas Cowboys. Troy's second passion was cooking. He had dreams early on of attending culinary school and eventually opening his own restaurant. This dream was put on hold because of daily life but he took every opportunity to cook for others. He was a member of several web based recipe sites and a member of "Cooking Club of America". He loved trying out new ideas and sharing his love of cooking with others even if it was simply manning the grill during his many tailgate ventures or hanging out with friends or family.

Troy was extremely proud of the fact that he completed and maintained a concealed handgun license. He was very proud of all of his accomplishments without allowing them to change his personality. Troy remained grounded and was an exceptionally dependable person.

Troy's mantra could be heard as: "No Worries" and "Do What You Gotta Do." He also cherished the words "No Fear" and "No Regrets."

Memorial contributions are welcome at www.dignitymemorial.com.