SFC John R. Duke, 88, of Huntsville, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Floyd E. “Tut” Fann Veteran’s Home. John was born in Parsons, TN and joined the US Army in 1949 as Infantry and later as Artillery. He served two tours in the Korean War and one tour in the Vietnam War where he was awarded a Bronze Star. He met and married his wife of 58 years, Elfriede (Freymueller) Duke, on his first tour in Germany. He retired in 1969 with the rank of Sergeant First Class and settled in Huntsville eventually working at Monroe Business Equipment for 23 years. He was a loving and caring husband and father who also liked taking care of the house and lawn and enjoyed hiking the trails of Monte Sano with his dogs.
Surviving family members include his wife, Elfriede Duke; his sons, MSgt John Duke (USAF ret) (wife Ruth) and Lt Col James Duke (USAF ret) (wife Lt Col Kathy (USAFR)); his daughter, Karen Brown (husband MSG Michael (US Army ret)); his sister, Doris Gamez and 6 grandchildren (Wesley, Jacob, Hannah, John, Kayla, and Elizabeth) and 3 stepgrandchildren (Lacey, Jenny, and David). He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rable (Houston) Duke; and brothers, Ernie, Paul, and Ralph Duke.
A Graveside Service, with Full Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 11:00am at Valhalla Memory Gardens in the Garden of the Good Shepherd. Please leave fond memories and condolences for the entire Duke family at www.valhallafunerals.com.
