J.W. Duke

1932 - 2017

JW Duke, age 85 and a resident of Poplar for 69 years, passed away May 12, 2017 in Poplar. JW was born March 3, 1932 at Hillsboro, TX to Marvin and Lula Mae Duke and it was here that he met his wife to be, Ruthie Faye Lloyd. He and Ruthie Faye were married February 28, 1948 and the following year along with other family members came to California and settled in Poplar. Even though times were tough in the beginning, they made friends easily and were playfully referred to as "Duke and the Duchess". JW could be somewhat of a Jokester but he was also well-known as the "go-to guy" with all the answers, during the 19 years he worked for Brinkley's Hardware Store in Poplar. He followed that with another 20 years working as a Foreman at Sierra Forest Products in Terra Bella. JW and Ruthie Faye enjoyed family camping and fishing trips, excursions to Morro Bay and whenever possible, traveling back to Texas to visit family. JW liked to collect coins and talk to friends on his CB Radio and for something more to do, decided to take up woodworking. He began making simple doll beds and picnic tables but quickly became very proficient and was soon making beautifully crafted children's furniture and rocking chairs. Ruthie Faye passed away in 1989 and was then followed by their son Joseph W. Duke in 2008. JW's surviving family includes 3 daughters: Rita Watkins (Joe) of Kingsport, TN. Donna Duke of Porterville. Diane Scott (Steve) of Visalia. Brother Jack "Doodle" Duke (Edna) of Porterville along with 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren. Visitation will begin at 10:00am Thursday May 18th at the Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center. A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00am in the chapel and then friends are invited to join the family for a meal in the reception hall. For additional information contact Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center, 765 W. Henderson Ave., Porterville. (559)784-6485