Edward Duke

Edward M. Duke VIRGINIA BEACH - Edward M. Duke of Kings Grant House passed away Aug. 11, 2008. He was born in Detroit March 31, 1922. He lived and worked in Marion, Va., much of his life. He retired to Myrtle Beach, S.C., and later to Hampton, Va. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He remained in the Air Force Reserves serving as a liaison officer to the Air Force Academy until he retired in 1969 as a lieutenant colonel. Mr. Duke was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Mary Jane Duke and his parents, William and Vivian Duke. He is survived by one son, Edward Lee Duke and wife Carol of Lakeland, Fla.; one daughter, Brenda "Ikie" Gilmer and husband Perry of Virginia Beach; one sister, Vivian Watz and husband Martin of Harper Woods, Mich. He is also survived by six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and his beloved little dog, Corey. A memorial service will be held Friday at 3 p.m. in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. The Rev. James Bangle of Marion will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to the Plaza Life Saving Crew, Plaza Trail, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. The Cremation Society of Virginia is in charge of arrangements.