Garnet Lavan Dukes Jr.
Garnet Lavan Dukes Jr.
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Garnet Dukes Obituary
GARNET LAVAN, 67
Garnet Lavan Dukes, Jr., 67, passed away January 4, 2014, at home, following an extended illness. He was born September 17, 1946, to the late Garnet Lavan Dukes, Sr., and Frances Taylor Dukes.
Lavan is survived by his son, Joseph Sheehy Dukes, of Tallahassee; his long-time companion, Linda Champion; brother, Terry M. Dukes, and his wife, Debi; nephews, Mark Dukes; Derek Dukes, and his wife, Felicia, and great nephew, Liam.
Lavan greatly influenced state and national educational standards for data collection and reporting. His devotion to education data quality assurance was evidenced by his positions of leadership. After beginning his career as a middle school English teacher, he served the Florida Department of Education from 1972 to 2012 as a Program Specialist, Program Director, and most recently as the Bureau Chief of Education Information and Accountability Services.
Among other leadership positions, Lavan was the former chairman of the National Forum on Education Statistics with the National Center for Education Statistics. He also served as chairman for the National Education Statistics Agenda Committee. Lavan also participated as the chairman for the Special Education Subcommittee for the Council of Chief State School Officers. He was recognized in 1999 by the Florida Department of Education as Educator of the Year.
Lavan spent free time at his cabin "in the woods" in Salt Springs, Florida. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and an avid Florida State Seminole fan.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1700 N. Meridian Road, Tallahassee, Florida, 32303, or Worthington Springs United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2, Worthington Springs, Florida, 32697.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church; family and friends will be welcomed for visitation at 1:00 p.m. with a service following at 2:00 p.m. Graveside burial service will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Elzey Chapel Cemetery in Worthington Springs, Florida.
Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's Meadow Wood in Tallahassee and Archer Funeral Home in Lake Butler, Florida.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Patricia Marsh
September 4, 2014
So late but so very sad to learn of Lavan's passing. Many many good memories of him. Always there to help and a true leader in educational technology. May he rest in peace. My sympathies to Linda and all of his family.
Ramona White
January 14, 2014
Lavan, you are a light that will shine forever in my heart. Thank You for being an example of how we should walk this earth.
Julie Annin Hansen
January 12, 2014
While Lavan was such an integral part of my professional life during the inception of Florida's educational databases he was also a personal friend who will be greatly missed. He always listened regardless of the question; he challenged me to think in different ways and made me smile even when he disagreed with me. You could always bank on his answers, and his dry wit was unparalleled. May all the wonderful memories you have of him and the knowledge of how much he was loved and respected by so many sustain you during these very tough times.
January 11, 2014
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January 11, 2014
January 11, 2014
January 11, 2014
Julie Young
January 9, 2014
Lavan was a FLDOE icon and his impact will be felt for years to come. I loved his humor. Linda, I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs.
Edward Roberts
January 9, 2014
I was touched by Lavan on the football practice field at Union County High School. He was a magnificent player and a good friend. I was with him from the first grade to graduation. He was always a good Christian and a good friend. Even in my wild younger years Lavan often spoke to me about my wild behavior. I will always remember him as a good classmate and friend.
January 9, 2014
Having known Lavan ever since he was hired in 1972 in the office I worked in, I can truly say he had a kind and gentle soul. My prayers are with his family and all who loved him. Rest in peace.
Simply, "Annie", Havana, Florida
Earl and Melinda Moon
January 9, 2014
Lavan and family, so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful colleague and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who loved him.
Jerry Ellis
January 8, 2014
We will miss you. May God bless.Jerry and Frances Ellis.
Linda Rossow
January 8, 2014
Lavan was a wonderful mentor and guide during my years working with Palm Beach County. He will be remembered with love and honor!
Thomas Purwin
January 8, 2014
My heart goes out to all who have been touched by Lavan. I worked with him at the national NCES Forum and he was a leader in implementation and use of data systems. It was a pleasure to have known him and know that he will be remembered.
January 8, 2014
Those of us at DOE who worked with Lavan during his years here were blessed by his wit, wisdom, intelligence and most of all heart. My deepest sympathies to his family, Linda, his former coworkers and his many, many friends.
David Uhlig
January 8, 2014
Lavan was a great man with a wealth of knowledge, one of those rare professionals who was always at the top of his game...a real leader. Thanks Lavan, Rest in Peace
Marion Weil
January 7, 2014
Rest in peace Lavan. I learned a lot from him. He was a wonderful person, and a grand instructor to those of us working with student data. May G'd rest his soul, and may his family have good memories to sustain them.
Marion Weil, retired--Palm Beach County School District
Kathy Gosa
January 7, 2014
I am fortunate to have worked with Lavan at the national level as part of the NCES Forum. His knowledge and integrity made him an important contributor to many projects, and he was always just a great guy to be around. I will miss him.
Theresa Antworth
January 7, 2014
I worked with Lavan on many a project and always learned and accomplished tasks with insight and steady direction. We will miss you Lavan.
January 7, 2014
Lavan pioneered the centralized educational data collection for Florida and also played a significant role nationally as well. This was not an easy task and often left him caught in the middle between district personnel and DoE directives. Lavan handled this very effectively and was able to build friendships with most of us at the district level. I grew to respect him greatly as well as depend on him for factual information and wise counsel. What a pleasure it was to work and sometimes play with him. As will so many others, I mourn his loss and regard our association through the years as a most pleasurable segment of my career.
Bill Tindall, retired Volusia County Schools
January 7, 2014
My condolences to Lavan's family and loved ones. I was a school-district MIS administrator who came to know Lavan through the annual State database Conferences. Through that association we struck up a friendship. I always appreciated his warmth and wisdom and enjoyed his sense of humor. I will remember him as a great man.
Tony Burke, Ocala
Barbara Clements
January 7, 2014
I met Lavan in his early days at DOE when I was at the Council of Chief State School Officers. We worked together to push data quality and utility in state education agencies, and he was definitely a leader among his peers. I have many fond memories of being with Lavan at MIS Conferences in Orlando, particularly the pie place, the Orange Blossom trail, and the initial lottery tickets. We had many great laughs together. He is greatly missed.
Theresa Schwarz
January 7, 2014
Farewell to a friend of all and comfort and peace to those he loved. I rejoice for the one God chose to bring home.
Dallas Cooper
January 7, 2014
I met Lavan during the often stressful time of implementing the state data collection activities. His wit and voice made him easy to find in a crowded meeting room. I miss the conversations we had. Rest easy my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
DESSIE JONES
January 7, 2014
IT WAS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT I GOT TO WORK WITH MR. DUKE WHEN HE VISITED JEFFERSON COUNTY. HE WAS A GREAT HELP TO ME . MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS TIME OF SORRY REMEMBER WE ALL LOVED LAVAN BUT GOT LOVED HIM MORE .
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY,
DESSIE S JONES
JEFFERSON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
MONTICELLO, FLORIDA
Helen Banes
January 7, 2014
Rest in Peace Lavan :) I will miss you and thank you for all the laughs and music you shared with me over the years. Sending his entire family and friends prayers, love and hugs - he will be missed by many!
Jim Swanson
January 7, 2014
I was assistant bureau chief when Lavan came to work for the DOE in 1972. We enjoyed many conversations both professional and personal. I had family in Union County, and we had mutual acquaintances to tell stories about.
I am saddened to hear of his leaving us, and I express my sincerest condolences to the family.
JoAnn Carrin
January 7, 2014
I knew Lavan through DOE for many years. A great guy I will always treasure.
betsy butler
January 7, 2014
Joe, our deepest sympathy from all of us that love you in las vegas!
Cindy Hedgcoth
January 6, 2014
Derek and Felicia, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you and your famly.
Pat Frohe
January 6, 2014
I worked in Lavan's office in the 1990s. I most appreciated him because he carefully chose those he hired, and then trusted them to do their jobs. I am so glad I spoke with him just before Christmas. I will always think of him with great fondness. My sincere condolences to those closest to him.
Karen Wilson
January 6, 2014
Lavan was a larger than life personality who was respected by all. I was fortunate to know Lavan and saddened by his death. His quick wit always put everyone at ease. He definitely made this a better place...gone too soon.
Barbara Williams - Rhodes
January 6, 2014
I am grateful to Lavan for giving me an opportunity to work under his supervision and leadership at DOE. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Joe & Jamie Mongiovi
January 6, 2014
We love you and miss you. Rest peacefully.
Francis Watson
January 6, 2014
"Watson" here... until we meet again!
We worked and traveled many miles together, and created many memories!
Goodbye, old friend. I retired from DOE in 1992, but recall Lavan loving speaking of his brother, Terry, and his son, Joseph. -- "F.W."
January 6, 2014
Bill Piotrowski
JoAnn Carrin
January 6, 2014
I worked with Lavan for many years. He was a great co-worker and a great man.
January 6, 2014
Lavan was one of the key leaders responsible for the success and continuing quality of Florida's statewide student and staff database systems - which lead the way for many other state systems nationally. The efficiencies and effectiveness enabled by our automated data system are a tribute to his dedication and leadership. He seldom did not have a smile (or joke) during the most challenging of situations. Lavan will be missed, and has left behind a proud legacy for all of Florida's schools and IT leaders.
June Alford
January 6, 2014
My deepest sympathies to your family. Lavan and I worked together for years at DOE and shared a love of motorcycles after we both retired. He will be missed.
January 6, 2014
My condolences to the family and Linda. I worked with Lavan for many years in the DOE. He was a very well respected educator and will be missed. Tara Jackson
Robin B
January 6, 2014
Lavan lived! He traveled, had good friends, gardened...I loved all of that about him. I'll carry those lessons with me. Please accept my condolences.
sarah sprinkel
January 6, 2014
Lavan influenced many of us with his wit, knowledge and attitude. I loved his voice. He will be missed and I think the Noles should dedicate their win tonight to him.
Ed H. Moore
January 6, 2014
All of us at ICUF offer our deepest condolences to the family. A life dedicated to education is a life well spent. Ed H. Moore
Neill Powell
January 6, 2014
Condolences.
Linda Kull
January 6, 2014
Lavan was a dear friend of mine way back in the early 80s and I adored him. A special, special man. My condolences to his family.
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