Bill Duke

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Bill Duke, age 80, passed away during the early morning hours of July 15th in his home in Joplin, Missouri, after a few years of poor health.

Bill was born in New York City on December 19, 1939. When Bill was a child, his father worked for American Airlines and the family moved several times from New York, to Dallas, Texas, to St. Louis, Missouri, and then to Elkins, West Virginia, before settling in Joplin, Missouri.

Bill graduated from Elkins High School in 1957, where he played football, basketball and participated in track and field. He was active in Boy Scouts in elementary and high school where he later achieved the Eagle Scout Award. He attended Joplin Junior College before moving on to Missouri University, where he graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. He then pursued a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from Missouri S&T at Rolla in 1976. 

After Bill got his Bachelor of Science Degree, he worked at Eagle Picher Industries from 1964-1967 before joining Allgeier-Martin & Associates in December 1967. Bill was a licensed Professional Engineer and practiced in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Illinois. He married Martha Clay on July 11, 1964. They spent a remarkable 56 years together and had two children.

Bill had many hobbies including photography, woodworking, and small metalworkings. More importantly, Bill and Martha thoroughly enjoyed their many wonderful vacations traveling overseas to Europe, as well as domestically across the United States. Bill was a member of several organizations during the span of his life. In his younger adult years, he was a part of the Joplin Junior Chamber of Commerce (Joplin Jaycees). He joined Joplin Kiwanis Club, having served on several committees, tutored at Joplin NALA READ where he was on the Board of Directors, he served on the board of Heartland Opera Theatre, and he served for two terms on St. Peter’s Catholic Church Parish Council. Bill also served on the Joplin City Traffic Commission for two terms.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Martha; two children, Barbi Duke-Nay and Rob Duke and wife, Robin; four grandchildren, Jessica Burkhart and husband, Mikel Burkhart, Nick Duke, Zac Nay, and Allison Duke; and three great-grandchildren, Trinity, Kynlee, and Avery.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ruth and William H. Duke II; his brother and sister, Hayden Duke and Georgia Duke-Mallette; and his sister-in-law, Bobbie Sue Clay.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2020, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin with Rev. J. Friedel officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City. Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 17, at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary followed by visitation from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Joplin NALA Read, or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.