John Duke, Jr.

John Wesley Duke, Jr., 86, of Mexia passed away December 8, 2010 in Wortham. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 10, 2010 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Marcus Sheffield officiating. Masons will serve as honorary pallbearers. Graveside services with Masonic Rites will be conducted on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Garden of Memories in Lufkin, Tx.. Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home. John was born February 19, 1924 in Woden, Texas to John Wesley and Ketie Mahala (Harrell) Duke. He has been a resident of Mexia since 1993. He graduated from the University of Texas. He was a geologist prior to his career as a Life Insurance Agent with designation of CLU. John earned two Bronze Stars while serving his country in the U. S. Air Force during World War II. He served as a trustee for Valley Baptist Academy in Harlingen, Tx. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Mexia. John also enjoyed attending the Men's Prayer Breakfast on Thursday mornings. John was member of many Masonic lodges including Springfield, Dawson, Homer, Thornton, Lufkin, Boggy, Winkler and Barry and served as an officer or Worshipful Master of most of them. He was past District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 20, Grand Junior Deacon and was a District instructor for Masonic District #22. John had received his Sixty Year Service Award in July of 2010. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite and Shrine. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lenna Belle, sister, Ruby Duke Alders and brothers, Charles Duke and Clifford Duke. Survivors include his sons, Jerry Duke and wife Anna Schwartz of Gardendale, TX and Reverend James Duke and wife Audrey of Mexia, step-grandchildren, ReJeania Canon, David Bollier and Weldon Bollier. He is further survived by a number of nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Duke Ministry Fund at the First Baptist Church in Mexia.