Thomas Edward Duke died Wednesday January 1, 2014. He was 88.He was born September 3, 1925 to Thomas Brennan and Emma Green Duke. After graduating from Calaveras High School in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a machinist mate on the USS Terror in the South Pacific during WWII.
After the war ended he was employed by Calaveras Tire and later Doherty Tire Service and Duke's Tire Service where he sold and serviced tires for Calaveras School District, Calaveras County offices and residents for over 40 years.
He married Guilda Gillick on September 16, 1948 and they were married for 44 years before her passing in 1992.
He enjoyed spending time with family and was a member of American Legion Post 102. He was featured in the Stockton Record Veterans Day article in 2012 and was awarded the First Pioneer Award by the Society for the Preservation of West Calaveras history.
He was a member of the Community Methodist Church for over 75 years.
He is survived by his children, Christine (Ron) Hollingshead of San Andreas, Debra (Bob) Burkhardt of Valley Springs and Jeffrey (Pam) Duke of Valley Springs, 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Guilda Duke and brothers Donald and Mickey Duke.
There will be graveside services at Double Springs Cemetery on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 1 PM.
Memorial contributions can be made in his name to American Legion Post 102, Jenny Lind Veterans Memorial District or Community United Methodist Church in Valley Springs.
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