He was born December, 09, 1938, in Price, Utah. He grew up in Spring Glen, UT.. His parents were Harold Steele and Mary Montgomery Duke. His family was of English and Scottish decent. In the early 1850's, his descendants migrated to Utah as early "Mormon Pioneers." As a child he loved to hike and roam the hills of Spring Glen, UT, searching for Indian arrow heads, corn grinders, and other artifacts.
Richard married his high school sweetheart, FaNon Davis. She is the daughter of June and Thelma Larsen Davis. They resided in Price, Utah. They were married at the L.D.S. Salt Lake temple on September 18, 1959. They were married for 51 years.
In 1961, Richard received his masters degree in mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University. He and his wife and two small children moved to Seattle, WA, to work for Boeing. After a large lay-off they then moved to Livermore, CA. He then worked for Laurence Radiation Laboratories.
In 1967, Richard and his family, moved to Colorado Springs, CO. He worked for Kaman Sciences. He designed missiles. Later, Richard was employed at Digital Equipment Corp. as a Mechanical Design Engineer. He designed computer parts.
Richard and FaNon are long time members of the Church of Jesus of Latter Day Saints., 6th ward, in Colorado Springs. He was a High Priest and taught and served as Secretary for many years. Richard and his wife were CO-Presidents of the Young Married Organization, in both ward and stake for many years. He also served as Cub Scout Master for eight years.
Richard leaves behind his beloved wife FaNon Davis Duke, and their three children: Tori D. and D. Bart Justice, Richard Trent and Bernadette Villa Duke and Mequette D. and Brent Wangsgard. His Grandchildren: Ryan Peterson and his fiancé Barrett Leary, Chelsea & B. Shayne Justice, Chantel, Melissa H. , R. Chaz, and Brenden C. Duke, and Tanis, Sascia FaNon, and Taitum Wangsgard. His Great Grandchild: Ryan Cade Peterson and soon to be step-grandchildren: Thorrin Hacker, and Tallon and Teigen Hix.
Richard leaves behind his sisters: Phyllis D. Sims and Elaine and Don Nelson. He also leaves behind his brother and sister-in-laws: Jerry and Pat Vouk Davis, Sue Davis and Jerry Olsen, and Karen Davis and Jim Murray.
Richard and FaNon were past members of "Square Nuts" and "Wheel and Dealers" and other square dance clubs. Richard loved camping, hiking, fishing, and skiing. Later on in life, he love spending time with his grandchildren.
We will miss our beloved Richard greatly, but know he has gone to be with his Lord and Savior in heaven.
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