Richard Byron "Dick" Duke

Richard Byron “Dick” Duke passed on October 21, 2019 at Golden Living Center in Kokomo, IN surrounded by family members.  He was just shy of his 80th birthday.

Dick was born November 5, 1939 at Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru, IN to his parents, Robert L. and Irma (née Arrick) Duke.  He grew up in Marion, IN and graduated from Marion High School in 1957.  He initially attended Western State University to play football and baseball.  He graduated from Miami University of Ohio in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  He was an active member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity during his years at Miami.

He married Sharon Janean Southgate Sample in June 1968 in Marion, IN.

Dick pursued a variety of careers during his life, including spending time as a disc jockey, fitness center manager, trade school recruiter and car sales manager, first in Marion and later in Fort Wayne, IN.  He found his calling as the Director of the Research & Development Lab at Indiana Institute of Technology.  He purchased the lab from the school in 1997 and, as A/Z Tech, Inc., the company continued to provide a variety of test equipment to the electric magnet wire industry.  Through A-Z Tech, Dick became active in the Electrical Manufacturing & Coil Winding Association, eventually served as a member of the board of directors.

Aside from work, Dick was an avid athlete and sportsman for most of his life, often competing in a variety of amateur athletic competitions.  He and his wife Sharon were both involved in various sports during his tenure with Indiana Tech.  He was a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite, achieving the 33th Degree in 2000.  He was also active in the Fort Wayne chapter of Rotary International and in his local church for many years.

Dick is survived by his step-daughter Kimberly Kay (Kevin) McCall, her two children and two grandchildren and his step-son Michael Allen Sample.  He is also survived by his two nephews, Robert E. (Teri) Duke, Jr. and Michael S. (Lisa) Duke and sister-in-law, Jeannie Duke.   Dick was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and his brother, Robert E. Duke, Sr.

Per Dick’s wishes, there will be no memorial services.  He will be cremated and his ashes buried in the Estates of Serenity, Marion, IN.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Byron "Dick" Duke, please visit our floral store.