Louis William Wellington

“Duke”

February 27 1946 – August 10, 2016

Duke passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on August 10, 2016. He was born on February 27, 1946 at the U.S. Naval Hospital located on Camp Pendleton, CA. His parents were Adna R. Wellington & Marzie V. (Bernard) Henning. Duke spent most of his youth in Snohomish, WA before moving back to San Diego, CA. He attended Crawford HS and in 1963, enlisted in the US Marines. He fought in Vietnam during 1964-66.

While home on his 30-day leave from Vietnam, Duke met Esther (Perez) at a party. He knew then she would be his wife, and after a one-week romance, they eloped and married on June 28, 1966. Duke and Esther recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

After he completed his military service, Duke began a career in the construction field. He was a skilled carpenter who built & renovated homes and commercial businesses, he did roofing, fencing and retired as an acoustic ceiling installer at the age of 55. Duke was a true outdoors man who enjoyed golfing, family camping trips, deer hunting in the Sierras, and was an avid fisherman throughout California and Mexico. His favorite vacation trips were spent visiting family & friends in Washington, Idaho and Montana.

He is survived by his loving wife Esther, 2 daughters & their husbands, Christina & Ross Clement, Sonia & Daniel McClister, 4 grandchildren, 1 grandson-n-law, Dyllen, Gabriella & Willie, Zachary and Danniella, his step father Fred Henning, and half-sister Cheryl Whistler. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister, Carol Bennett.

Duke was so loved by his family and friends, and will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at Miramar National Cemetery 5795 Nobel Dr. SD 92122 on Thursday, September 1st at 10:30am. A celebration of life luncheon immediately following at Casa Machado, 3750 John J. Montgomery Dr. SD 92123. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to: Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH, 45250-0301 or online at www.dav.org.