Duke Westover

He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Carlene (Wilson) Westover, and his daughter, Taryn Kim Westover of Lynchburg.

Duke was born in Houston, Texas, January 14, 1936 a son of the late Douglas Glyn “Skipper” Westover and Eva Griffee Westover. He was a 1954 graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School and shortly after graduation, he married Carlene Wilson. Duke proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1954 through 1957 where he served as aide to Commander Whitehurst at Chase Naval Air Station in Beeville, TX. In November of 1955 Taryn Kim Westover was born.

Duke had a very colorful and diverse career. He served as a gospel music DJ at three different radio stations, the minister of music and a youth leader at Berean Baptist Church in Houston. He was also an ordained Deacon and Ordained Minister of the Gospel. He received honorary Doctorate Degrees from the California Graduate School of Theology, Emmanuel Bible College in Kota, India and Liberty University.

Duke’s background and education was in engineering and construction. He built over 200 churches, one of which was Thomas Road Baptist Church. Shortly after that, Duke was hired to serve as the Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff for Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr. He worked with Dr. Falwell and his ministries for more than 38 years.

Duke also had a passion for travel and the State of Israel. He and his wife Carlene launched DuCar International Tours where they specialized in leading tour groups to Israel.

In addition to being a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church, Duke served on the Board of Trustees for Emmanuel Bible College and Liberty University (Board Member Emeritus)

A memorial celebration of Duke’s life and faith will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Thomas Road Baptist Church with Pastor Jonathan Falwell officiating.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service and will also host a reception following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Hope Givers International, https://hopegivers.org.