Frank Dukes Jr., 74, passed away on October 13, 2026, after an extremely difficult but far too short battle with cancer caused by his exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam. Frank was called home by his Lord and Savior, leaving his family with a lifetime of love, memories, and lessons they will carry forever.
Frank wore many hats and answered to many titles throughout his life, but none meant more to him than Papaw. He was a devoted husband, an amazing father, grandfather, a generous friend, and a man whose life was defined by strength and love.
For 53 years, he shared his life with his loving wife, Carolyn Dukes. Their life together was built on shared experiences, challenges, laughter, family, and a love that endured through it all. Their devotion to one another was something their entire family witnessed and learned from. Frank enjoyed puttering around the house, caring for the home they had made together, and finding joy in the everyday life they shared.
Frank is survived by Carolyn and their three children, Suzanne (Anthony) Feagin, Jonathan (Amy) Dukes, and Elizabeth (Tony) Bacon; and his beloved grandchildren, Zoë and Nate Feagin, Huxley Dukes, and Johnny, Kari, and Allen Bacon; and his cherished bonus grandchild Elijah Feagin. His children will always know him as their hero. He gave them more than he probably ever realized: memories, lessons, strength, and an example of how to keep hope alive.
His grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He loved them immensely and delighted in making fidget toys for them on his 3D printers. Each creation was another way for Papaw to show his love and give his grandchildren something to smile about.
A Vietnam veteran, Frank served his country with honor. He was also proud of his 24 years at ArcelorMittal in Shelby, Ohio, where he worked alongside people he considered some of the greatest, he had ever known. Those friendships meant a great deal to him.
When faced with the greatest adversity of his life, Frank gave his family one final lesson in courage. His battle was short, but there was nothing small about the strength he showed. His children are incredibly proud of the husband he was to their mom, the father and grandfather he became, the veteran who served his country, and the man he remained until the very end.
Frank was preceded in death by his mother, Opal Anne; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Jane Kolb; and his grandmother, Mildred Edna White.
In honor of Frank’s memory, the family asks that you consider a donation to Folds of Honor, which supports the families of fallen and disabled service members. This is especially meaningful as we remember a man whose service to his country remained a part of his story throughout his life.
Friends and family are invited to a gathering on Friday October 30, 2026, from 12:00PM to 1:00PM at Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington Springmill Rd., Ontario, OH 44906. A memorial service will follow at 1:00PM. Committal will be held at Lexington Cemetery.
Rest easy, Dad. Your fight is over. We will miss you more than words can express, but your strength, love, and lessons will remain with us forever. We love you, and we will carry you with us always.
