Arthur Adolph "Buddy" Duke

1929 - 2024

Arthur Adolph "Buddy" Duke, 94, of Paducah, passed away Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at his residence at The Lakes of Paducah.

Buddy was born on Nov. 6, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Martin Ebert Duke and Stella Viola Tate Duke. He spent his growing-up years in and around Sikeston, Missouri. He owned and operated disaster cleaning businesses for much of his working career. He had a passion for music and singing. He and his wife of 74 years, Glenda, met as teenagers while performing in a gospel quartet where Buddy sang bass and Glenda accompanied on the piano. They spent much of their lives together singing and traveling and sharing the gospel through music. Buddy also enjoyed painting, writing songs and poems. He loved to share his poems and artwork with those he cared for. Many of the hymns that Buddy wrote were published. Buddy had a heart for missions and helping those in need. Buddy and Glenda were faithful members of Gospel Mission Church where they often shared their gift of music.

Buddy is survived by his wife of 74 years, Glenda Humphrey Duke; three daughters, Marsha Lynn (Mike) of Paducah, Laura Trammell (Larry) of Paducah, and Jennifer Gaunce (Kevin) of Paducah. He is also survived by one sister and three brothers. Buddy leaves behind a legacy of faith to 39 grand and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and five brothers and sisters.

A private family service will be held on Friday, Feb. 2. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Paducah.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, D.C., 20090, for the distribution of free bibles.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of The Lakes of Paducah for their kind and loving care of Buddy and Glenda over the past two years.

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