Thomas Jay Dukes, 55, died Dec. 30, 2014, at his residence. He was born Oct. 2, 1959, in Bluffton to Lewis and Virginia (Sutter) Dukes. On Sept. 20, 1985, he married Kathy Beckler Dukes who survives.
He was a self-employed farmer and was owner/operator of TJD Trucking. He was a member of United in Christ United Methodist Church, Bluffton, and the Mt. Cory Masonic Lodge. He was a 1978 graduate of Cory-Rawson High School.
Survivors also include two daughters, Jennifer (Paul Yeater and his son Deakon Yeater) Dukes of Carey, Kayla (Brad Rieman) Dukes of Kalida, his mother Virginia Dukes of Bluffton, five siblings Jewell (Karen) Dukes of Bluffton, Linda (Ken) Shultz of Mt. Cory, Jon Dukes of Bluffton, Don (Janet) Dukes of Bluffton, Bonnie (Dave) Jones of Jenera; and his mother-in-law Marilyn Beckler of Bluffton.
Preceded in death by his father Lewis Dukes and his father-in-law John Beckler.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton. Rev. Wade Melton officiating. Burial will be in Dukes Cemetery following the service.
Visitation will be Friday from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A Masonic service will be held Friday at 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to No One Fights Alone for the benefit of Tom Dukes, Putnam County Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
