Truman B. Duke, 92, of Galesburg, died peacefully at home Friday, May 15, 2020 at 11 p.m.
Truman was born November 15, 1927 in Moline, the son of Alvin T. and Vivian E. (Austin) Duke. After graduating from Moline High School Truman began a career at International Harvester that spanned 45 years. He ultimately retired in 1992. Truman served in the US Army from 1946 to 1947. Truman married Barbara Theodora Anson in May 1952. She preceded him in death on August 24, 1988. Truman is survived by one daughter, Tonya Duke of Galesburg; four sons, Michael (Karen) Duke of Lowell, AR, Timothy Duke of San Diego, CA, Christopher Duke of Sacramento, CA, and Kory (Dava Goedeke) Duke of Galesburg; and one brother, Austin Duke of Moline. Truman is also survived by five grandchildren, Jana Marino, Shawn Duke, Michael Duke, Jaclyn Duke, and Nicholas Duke; as well as three great grandchildren, Hallie, Anayah, and Sage; and numerous nieces and nephews. Along with his wife and parents, Truman was preceded in death by two brothers, Alvin and James; and one sister, Rachel Seed.
Truman was a devout and active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Galesburg. He served as a eucharistic minister and lector for many years; he was also a member and past president of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Truman worked with SPEC for many years and had served as president of St. Joseph Academy PTA in 1969-1970. He was an active member of the YMCA. Truman always carried himself with pride, enjoyed being around people and having great conversations. He was a proud of his family and will be missed by all who knew him.
Due to social distancing requirements surrounding COVID-19 no public services will be held. Private rosary and funeral mass will be held, however, friends, may view both services starting at 9:35 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2020 at via the Galesburg Catholic Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GBBCatholic/. Burial with military rites will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made in Truman’s memory to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
