Obituary: The Rev. J.W. Duke

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Rev. J.W. Duke, 90, of Harrisburg, passed away 10:55 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2011, at the VA Medical Center in Marion.

He was born July 2, 1921, in Advance, Mo., the son of John and Elsie Dever Duke. On May 30, 1941, he married the former Regena Barker in Jackson, Mo., and she preceded him in death on March 12, 1986.

J.W. enlisted in the Army during World War II. He was in the 42nd Infantry, Rainbow Division, which played a leading role in the front-line action that resulted in the capture of Munich and the ending of the war in southern Germany by spearheading an assault by crossing the Danube River. He received the Purple Heart Medal for being wounded in action. J.W. entered the ministry on Sept. 28, 1952, and was pastor at many local churches for 57 years. He was a member of the Gaskins City Baptist Church, had been a sheet metal worker and had owned a dry cleaners. He was an avid Cardinals fan.

He is survived by one daughter, Vernetta Clift of Harrisburg; one brother, G.C. Duke of Harrisburg; and one sister, Delores Brasher of Harrisburg. Also surviving are a granddaughter, Kelli (Jimmy) Henderson of Marion; great-grandson, Daniel Henderson of Harrisburg; great-great-grandson, Wyatt Henderson; and a sister-in-law, Rowena Brown of Harrisburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Regina; a son, Derrill Duke; one brother, Frank Duke; and four sisters, Wanda Bush, Jewell Estes, Anna Belle Bennett and Ruby Brown.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at the J.M. Weirauch Funeral Home with the Rev. Don Nelson officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2011, at the J.M. Weirauch Funeral Home.