Arnold F. Duke

Arnold F. Duke, age 97, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, February 21, 2025 at his family farm of 65 years in Trafalgar.

Arnold was born on November 17, 1927, in Banta, to the late William Lloyd and Mary Minervia (Knox) Duke. He married the love of his life, Jean (Weddle) Duke, on June 20, 1948, at Beech Grove Baptist Church in Trafalgar. They shared 64 wonderful years of marriage before Jean's passing on November 23, 2012. Arnold often said the secret to their lasting love was "staying on the same page and raising our family in a Christian home."

Arnold spent much of his life in service to others. He retired in 1990 from Reliance Electrical in Columbus (formerly Reeves Pully) after 28 years of dedicated service. Prior to that he worked for Stockton Grain Company in Morgantown & Earl Alexander Ice & Coal Company in Franklin. Arnold and his wife purchased their family farm in 1960, where they raised feeder pigs and crops. Together with his wife, they owned and operated Cinderella Flower Shop in Franklin for 25 years, a business that brought them both much joy. He also cherished his time as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Columbus.

Arnold's faith was an important part of his life. He began his ministry at Beech Grove Baptist Church, where he and Jean served as a young couple, before becoming members of Morgantown Baptist Church. Arnold faithfully served his church in many roles, including Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Trustee, and Head Usher. His favorite role was serving as a Youth Leader. Arnold loved taking kids on hayrides, having weenie roast on his farm and teaching the kids about the Lord.

Arnold and his wife were blessed with three daughters, their youngest daughter, Lisa was born with Downs Syndrome which motivated them to help other like her. Being true servants at heart, Arnold and his wife helped establish Gateway Services in Franklin, where they co-founded services for individuals with developmental disabilities in the 1960s. Arnold also helped form the Johnson County Association for Retarded Citizens. He loved working with children, especially through 4-H and raising cattle, and took great pride in his time spent on the family farm. Arnold and Jean also enjoyed traveling to Michigan for mushroom hunting, a cherished tradition. Even after Jean’s passing, Arnold found companionship and comfort in caring for his beloved dachshund, "Boots."

He will be missed by his daughters Peggy (Homer) Crase and Connie Jo (Dave) Wiley of Trafalgar; grandchildren, Amy Doyle, Jon Doyle, Becky Crase, Joseph Crase, Angie Wiley, Aaron Wiley, Teresa (Andy) Baxter, David (Becky) Wilhelm and Willy Wilhelm; sixteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and siblings, John R. Duke of Trafalgar & Marjorie Fleener of North Vernon, and sisters-in-law, Opal Duke of Colorado & Martha Duke of Franklin.

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean, his daughter Lisa Jean Duke, and his brothers, Lloyd, Marvin & William Duke.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 25th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Morgantown Baptist Church, 109 W. Elm St. in Morgantown. The Revs. Levi Bridges and Lee Snider will conduct a funeral service on Wednesday, February 26th at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at East Hill Cemetery in Morgantown. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown.

In honor of Arnold's memory, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Gateway Services, P.O. Box 216, Franklin, IN 46131.

Online condolences may be left for Arnold’s family at meredith-clark.com.

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