Lonnie Wayne Duke

1936 - 2025

After 88 years of a rewarding and well-lived life, Lonnie W. Duke of Wimberley, Texas, went to be with the Lord on August 21, 2025. Born on November 5, 1936, in Houston, Texas, Lonnie grew up in the Heights neighborhood and attended John H. Reagan High School. He began his college years at the University of Texas, where he proudly played in the Longhorn Band before earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston in 1959. Upon graduating, Lonnie launched his career with Tennessee Gas Transmission (Tenneco) and earned his Juris Doctorate at South Texas College of Law in Houston. He received his license to practice law on September 21, 1964, marking the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the field of law and setting the stage for the meaningful career in service that followed.

On March 30, 1956, Lonnie married his soulmate, Gloria. They shared 68 years of marriage and raised four children: Kelly, Sharon, Wade (Andy), and Tiffany.

Lonnie began his legal career in private practice in Post, Texas, before relocating to San Antonio in 1968 to work for the League of United Latin American Citizens, where he tirelessly advocated for civil rights, education, housing, and economic opportunity. He later served as a public defender and finished his career working for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Lonnie and Gloria moved to Wimberley in 2000, and he retired from his career in 2003.

Outside of work, Lonnie found great joy on the golf course, especially on Wednesday mornings in Woodcreek, where he spent more than 20 years sharing laughter and camaraderie with his golf buddies. He was honored to have served as President of the Woodcreek Men's Golf Association and cherished the friendships he built there.

Lonnie also served as past President and a proud member of the Wimberley Lions Club, where he could always be counted on to lend a hand during Market Days and other community events.

Lonnie never met a baby that didn't quickly take to him; his gentle spirit and kind presence seemed to put even the youngest at ease, a reflection of the warmth he shared with everyone he encountered. This compassion extended to animals as well, whose presence always brought him comfort and happiness. Above all, Lonnie was happiest with his family, especially his grandchildren and three great-grandsons. Family and friends will remember Lonnie for his quick wit, steady faith, and generous spirit toward those in need.

He is survived by his children: Kelly (Douglas) Barclay, Sharon (Harold) Lotz, Wade Duke, Sr., and Tiffany (Corey) Hicks. His legacy lives on through his ten beloved grandchildren: William Murphy, Alexandra (Andrew) Steger, Kendall (Dax) Morton, Danielle (Dax) Damrich, Matthew (Holley) Murphy, Sydney Lotz, Wade Duke, Jr., Cole Hicks, Lauren Hicks, and Eli Meshbane-Duke. Lonnie was also blessed with three great-grandsons: Matthew Murphy II, Winston Murphy, and Theodore Steger. In addition, he is survived by his loving sisters, Barbara Faucett and Susan Duke Hobson.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria Duke; his parents, Percy and Louise Duke-Maier; his brother, Carl Duke; and his infant brother, "Baby June" Duke.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Angels for Elders for the care, dedication, and love they provided Lonnie.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Thomason Funeral Home in Wimberley, Texas. A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Wimberley United Methodist Church, with Pastor Susan Rang officiating. Burial service will follow at the Wimberley Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are William Murphy; Matthew Murphy; Dax Morton; Wade Duke, Jr.; Cole Hicks; Eli Meshbane-Duke; Andrew Steger; and Dax Damrich.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wimberley Lions Club or Wimberley Adoption Group & Rescue.

Arrangements are under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home, 14700 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX 78676. For more information and to sign the online registry, please visit thomasonfuneralhome.com.