Richard “Dick” Don Dukes, 85, of Pandora, died Feb. 11, 2018.
He was born in his homestead in Pandora, Ohio, on June 8, 1932, to the late Lewis Weltner and Ruth (Jones) Dukes. He married Margaret “Peg” Fox who preceded him in death on April 23, 2013. They were married for 59 years.
Dick began working on the family farm in grade school, leaving only to attend and graduate from Findlay College where he played basketball, and went to the national championships. He continued farming with his business partner and nephew, Mike Dukes, through harvest this year.
He served as the Pleasant View United Methodist Church treasurer, where he was a member for his entire life, and served on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Potato Growers Association.
Survivors include a son Richard L. (Donna) Dukes, daughters Beth (John) Lee, Dana Dukes-Norton (Brian), all of Pandora; and Judy Dukes, of Leipsic.
Also surviving are 11 grandchildren include Drew (Laura) Dukes, Bluffton; Derek (Joy Stemen) Dukes, Bluffton; Erin (Ben) Amstutz, Pandora; Megan (Eric) Wentz, Gilboa; Amber, Nathan (Kelsey), and Ryan Lee, Pandora; Nick, Sydney, and Samuel Norton, Pandora; and Tylee Dukes, Leipsic; nine great grandchildren include Lane Lee; Tucker, Aubrey, Ava, and Tyler Wentz; Kellen and Kayne Amstutz; and Grayson and Claire Dukes. He is survived by his brother-in-law Wayne Shively, and sisters-in-law Virginia Dukes, Betty Harpst and Cleo Fox.
Dick was preceded in death by brothers, Lewis and Bob Dukes, and sisters, Anne Greeno, Jean Grosjean, and Jane Shively.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14, at Pleasant View United Methodist Church near Mt. Cory. Pastor Mark Fuerstenau officiating. Burial will be in Dukes Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 – 8 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton, and one half hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant View United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
