William Richard Dukes

William R. Dukes died on September 9, 2019 in Henderson, Nevada of natural causes.

Bill was born on August 2, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Toledo, Ohio. After

one year as a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Toledo, he received a

Congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy where he graduated

on June 5, 1963. He completed his MBA at the University of Denver in 1976.

On graduation day, Bill married his true love, Hettie Merkel, in the Naval Academy

chapel. Hettie was also of Toledo, Ohio.

Bill was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force and was stationed at

McClellan AFB in Sacramento, California as a Procurement Contract Officer. He was

the base squash champion for three years and competed in several AF Worldwide

tournaments. After receiving an honorable discharge as a Captain, he began a

successful career in business. Bill was the President, CEO and Director of several hightech

electronics, hardware and software companies in Nevada and Washington,

ultimately leading two successful public stock offerings. He retired in 2010 after the sale

of a venture capital-owned company he was managing.

In retirement, he was the co-founder of Friends of Nevada Southern Railway Live

Steamers in Boulder City, Nevada. The volunteer group built the only 7 1/2” gauge

public railroad in Nevada and provided free rides on scale railroad equipment to

thousands of adults and children each year. Bill spent countless hours as a dedicated

volunteer at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. He also enjoyed woodworking, various

model building and metal working projects, and spending time with his family. Bill led a

very active life pursuing activities such as sailing, racquetball, hiking and riding his

mountain bike.

He is survived by his wife, Hettie; Brother, Gerald (Colette); Sons James (Paris), Todd,

and Jason (Marie); Grandchildren Natalie, Grace and Jacob. He is preceded in death by

his parents, Ralph and Leona, and daughter-in-law, Alison.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.