Ronald Duke

1953 - 2024

Ronald Duke

November 19, 1953 - July 5, 2024

Modesto, California - Ronald Eugene Duke, Esq., 70, passed away on July 5, 2024, in Modesto, California. Mr. Duke was born on November 19, 1953, in French Camp, to the late Eugene Basil and Evelyn Joan (Martinez) Duke. He graduated from Oakdale High School in 1972, and joined the U.S. Navy. He served as a Salvage Diver and Hull Technician on the USS Beaufort, and as a Navy SEAL, receiving a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for his actions. He later joined the California Army National Guard 184th Infantry and served in Military Intelligence.

Mr. Duke also worked as a Firefighter for Stanislaus County. Later, he served as a Police Officer in Riverbank and Waterford, and worked for the California Department of Corrections. In 1992, he graduated from the University of Honolulu Law School. He was elected twice to the School Board of Stanislaus Union School District.

He was a man of integrity whose life demonstrated the mercy of God through Jesus Christ, volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, and serving the homeless with his church, The House Modesto (formerly Calvary Temple). In his retirement, he worked on the preservation of California history related to his ancestor, Joaquin Murrieta. He had many interests, and experienced life as an adventure.

Mr. Duke is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Andrea Kathleen (Bautista) Duke; daughter Elisa (Duke) Krueger, and son-in-law Frederick Phillip Krueger; son David C. Duke; and grandchildren Stephen Heslin, Sierra Duke, Emmanuel Duke, and Joshua Duke.

Burial with military honors will be held at San Joaquín Valley National Cemetery on July 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. A Memorial Service will follow in the Prayer Chapel at The House Modesto, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to charity in his honor. 2 Timothy 1:7.