After my Father's passing in 1989, John Duke filled most of the hole in my heart and became somewhat of a surrogate Dad.  His first Wife Sue was my Mother's best friend growing up in Maitland Florida.  I heard about John growing up in Central Florida, but I really didn't know him until I started at the J. C. Stone Memorial Police Academy.  He always seemed to be in the close background of my career.  He and Judge Rom Powell became my fishing buddies and we mostly fished for Speckled Perch on Lake Monroe.  It was amazing to hear John and the "Judge" talk about cases they worked together, John as a detective and Rom Powell was an Assistant State Attorney.  A lot of the stories were about Harland Blackburn who was a "Gambling Kingpin", as well as my neighbor in south Seminole County.  To say he will be missed just doesn't touch the meaning of his passing and I know I will be a better person from having his friendship.

My earthly father is now with my heavenly father. No more pain, no more suffering. Absent from the body, present with the Lord.
Miss ya dad!

So sorry to hear about the passing of John.  John was a, "gentlemen's-gentlemen's" and was always willing to go the extra mile to help his fellow officer's. I had the pleasure of working with John while in the Detective Bureau and he was pleasure to be associated with.  We lost a great man and heaven gained one!  Tom(Zippy) Leblanc, Ret. OPD.

We have lost a great great man. He was my second father. I will have a hole in my heart forever. I love Bob Duke.
Wayne LaBarre

My buddy John  is now in a beautiful life so full and complete and is now walking with God amid his beauty and his peace and back in the days when we worked together working with him was a rare privilege I know I shall not see the likes of him again. May your soul rest in peace    Jerry Hassettt

John was not only a "gentle man" but a "Gentleman" in every way. My Bob held him in high regard, respect and admiration, proud to call him a friend. Praying that John's loved ones will experience God's peace for today and heaven's hope for tomorrow. In His Name and Promise, Grace Chewning

Saw him no less than three months ago.  A shock to me.  Always a gentalmen.

John H. Brown

John Duke was  a great friend and police officer.  He was always there if I need some advise or guidance and was very helpful for myself and a lot of other officers will miss him.  J.A. Moore

John Duke was one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet and work with. He was a real man among men and was recognized as a fine police officer by his peers and the public he served. He will be sorely missed by those of that knew him and his kindred spirit. He was a true gentleman!

Helen and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Bobby as we called him was dear to many from the old Aloma Baptist Church family. He was truly a man of integrity so lacking in today's culture. As you well know this world will be less because he has departed to a better one.  May His grace sustain  you and all the family and may the legacy he leaves behind comfort and restore your joy in the days ahead.

Bo and Wilma Bozenhardt  (KSC  friend of Will and Lena Calhoun also)

OBITUARY

John Robert Duke

January 24, 1934 – October 24, 2015

Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel

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