Raymond Edsel Duke, 89, of Nederland, passed away at his home Monday, May 14, 2012. He was born August 3, 1922, in Bolling, Alabama, to Recie Lee Duke and Lee Andrew Duke. Raymond had been a resident of the area since 1946. He was a retired United States Army veteran having served in World War II and retired as the training supervisor for Union Oil Company.
He was very involved in scouting, receiving “Silver Beaver” and “Order of the Arrow” Awards. For sixty-five years he was also involved with the organization of the 7th Armored Division United States Army reunions. Raymond was an Elder and Deacon at Trinity Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include his son, Karn Lee Duke and his wife, Debbie of Picayune, Mississippi; daughter, Recie Kay Duke Mobley and her husband, Bob of Fairway, Kansas; son, Ken Ray Duke and his wife, Mary Kay of Coquille, Oregon; grandson, Kris Lee Duke of Virginia Beach, Virginia; granddaughter, Kara Lyn Absher of Plano, Texas; grandson, Joshua Miles Duke of Coquille, Oregon; granddaughter, Ellen Marie Duke of Newberg, Oregon; and six great-grandchildren.
Raymond is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Aline Dubose Duke; and daughter, Katherine Sue Duke.
A gathering of Mr. Duke’s family and friends will begin 12:00 Noon, with his funeral service to follow at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, May 17, 2012, at Broussard’s, 505 12th Street, Nederland, with interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the 7th Armored Division Association, c/o Cheryl Higley, 292 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, Connecticut 06032 or to Trinity Presbyterian Church, Duke Family Fund, 805 Sierra, Port Neches, Texas 77651.
