John Duke (6-27-11)

GRINNELL, IOWA – John Lewis Duke, 103, formerly of Canton, N.C., died Monday, June 27, 2011.

Born on January 20, 1908, in Jefferson, he was the son of the late Addie Boggs and John Richard Duke. He graduated from the Martin Institute in Jefferson in 1925 and soon began his long career with Carolina Power and Light (now Progress Energy). He retired in 1973 as the chief dispatcher for the western division.

He married Maxine Elizabeth Holtzclaw on March 8, 1933, in Canton, N.C. Although they spent most of their marriage and raised their family in Canton, they also lived in Raleigh and Roxboro, N.C. Maxine died April 4, 1990. Lewis moved to Grinnell in 2000 to be hear family members.

Formerly recognized for 75 years of Masonic service in 2006, Lewis was a life member of the Pidgeon River Masonic Lodge. He took particular pride in his family, his job and his very productive vegetable gardens. All of his friends and family knew that Lewis could “fix anything.”

Surviving family members who treasure their memories of Lewis are two sons, Charlie (Mari) Duke, Grinnell, Iowa, and Tony (Jo) Duke, Ankeny, Iowa; four grandchildren, Jeremy Duke, Columbia, Mo., Abbey Duke, Burlington, Vt., Jason Duke, Ankeny, Iowa and Travis Duke, Ankeny, Iowa; five great-grandchildren; and a nephew, Richard Duke, Louisville, Ky.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years; his brother Bill; and his sisters, Leota and Macey.

Smith Funeral Homes, Grinnell and Victor, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.