Richard “Dick” Dukes, 70, went to be with Jesus on August 12, 2026, after a long and brave, nine-year battle with cancer. He was born on May 10, 1956, in Bluffton to the late Richard and Margaret “Peg” (Fox) Dukes. 

Dick married Donna Kuhn Dukes and she survives. Also surviving are his sons, Derek (Cheyenne) Dukes, Drew (Laura) Dukes and a daughter, Erin Dukes; and five grandchildren, Kellen, Grayson, Kayne, Claire and Lucy.

Dick was an avid bowler who enjoyed bowling for many years in Pandora and Bluffton. Whether it was bowling with his family or his friends, he always relished his time on the lanes. He always told stories of his time going to tournaments and working at the bowling alley in Pandora. Dick was inducted into the Putnam County Hall of Fame in 2022. 

He was also an avid golfer, golfing with anyone who would hop in his cart. He played three golf leagues a week with friends. Overall, Dick was a big fan of sports. He enjoyed coaching his own kids on their soccer and baseball teams, along with showing them how to golf and bowl when they were little. He was a big Yankee and Steeler fan. Some of his best memories of those teams were going to the games with family.

The love of his life was farming. Growing up on a farm, he always loved working the ground and harvesting in the combine. 

He was a very caring, outgoing and humorous person who liked to laugh and make people laugh. Dick made friends easily, whether it was at church, at his job, on the course, at the alley, or cruising on his Vespa around town. Even when he was at his sickest, he enjoyed joking around with visitors, family and staff at the hospital.

Most importantly to him, he enjoyed being a grandpa. He loved his grandkids more than anything and always cherished his time with them. Dick was a very faithful man of God and even through his illness, saw God’s hand working in his life.

Dick’s service will begin at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Ebenezer Church, 8905 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Road, Bluffton, with Pastor David Glick. A private graveside service will take place in Dukes Cemetery.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please consider donating to the American Kidney Fund (www.kidneyfund.org) or to the James Cancer Hospital – Sarcoma Fund at http://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/312232.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.