Marion Finley Duke

Born on December 20th, 1940 to his parents Dorethy Elizabeth Duke and Marion Henry Duke, in the small ‘panhandle’ town of Vernon, Texas. Until his formative years when the family relocated to southern California.

His first adventure was his enlistment in the United States Military where he served as a Military police officer for the United States Army. His position as M.P. was of great importance as he served in Germany just after WWII. There was still much to be done in the wake of Nazi removal, that had just taken place and he and his fellow officers and soldiers served bravely in the streets of Germany thru the transition to peace in the region.

After his return home, he was soon married to his wife of 39 years, Linda Lee Sechrist. They raised their four together in Southern California. Sadly, we lost Linda in 2021.

As long as anyone could remember, Finley had a guitar. As we all know, he wrote and played music throughout his life. His music will always be cherished by his family and friends. He also spent many years working as an engineer for NASA. Yes, this included a brief assignment at the infamous ‘Area 51’ but, we won’t be discussing that… :)

After his retirement, he continued making music and spreading the gospel. He then met and married Ms. Helen Brinson, they remained married until his passing.

He is survived by his brother Arbie Ray Duke, his sister Brenda Joan Duke-Besceglia, his four children: Dawn Marie Matchell, Sandra Diane Nicholson, David Scott Duke, and Darrin Lee Duke. His nine grandchildren: Jessica Hart, Lauren Hart, Jason Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, Scott Duke, Matthew Duke, Colton Duke, Beau Duke, Kaytlyn Patterson. His seven great-grandchildren: Reese Mitchell, Parker Mitchell, Kayley Hart, Maxwell Shoemaker, Scott Duke, Henry Duke, and Thomas Duke. His wife Helen Duke, and step children, Suzonne Scott, Scotty Brinson, and Elizabeth Brinson.

A family and friend gathering for Marion will be held Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Nassau Bay Baptist Church, 18131 Nassau Bay Dr, Houston, TX 77058. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 18131 Nassau Bay Dr, Houston, TX 77058. A committal service will occur Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 1:30 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.

Serving as pallbearers are David Duke, Darrin Duke, Jason Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, Mark Brandt and Justin Duke.