Arnold L. “Arnie” Duke, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. (retired), 85, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2017 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Born in Portland, Ore., he was a son of the late Lowell and Mary Broadbent Duke.
As a young man, he left college to enlist in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He would become a “mustang” in the Navy, moving from enlisted man to officer during his career. He would eventually retire as lieutenant commander with over 33 years of service. His career spanned the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the beginning of Desert Storm. During his career, he served as chief of police at Subic Bay Naval Base and participated in some of the initial planning for Operation Desert Storm.
He met his wife, Barbara, over 40 years ago and “wooed” her for over two years. In marrying her, he became the father of a large blended family and “took on” four teenagers after his older children were grown.
He and his family lived in Fernandina Beach from 1979 to 1981 before being stationed at McDill Air Force Base for nine years. In 1991, they moved back to Fernandina and made their home here since then.
He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Barbara Duke, and his seven children, LLewellyn Duke, Cheryl Boyer, Debra Dulcich, Lynnan Davidson, Karen Crotz, Kenneth Crotz, and Jon Michael Crotz. He was also a proud grandfather of 29 grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest at La Flora Mission Crematorium. At a later date, Lt. Cmdr Duke will be taken to sea where the U.S. Navy will render honors.
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Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors