Wallace B Duke

Born March 15, 1924, in Fruitvale, Texas, to Ben Amos and Norena Burrow Duke, Tim was one of six children. In 1943, Tim and his twin brother, Hollis, joined the U.S. Army, serving together in the 86th Infantry Division in the European theater and was part of the occupation forces of the Philippines. Tim always liked to tell the story of how he was a jeep driver but his brother had to march.

Following his stint in the military, Tim went on to marry his wife of 76 years, Martha Anne Curry. Together they raised three children, primarily in Dallas and Denton, Texas, with Tim building two of their family homes with little to no assistance. During those years the family was involved with their church and took many trips, especially enjoying visiting the National Parks.

Tim worked 37 years for the Santa Fe Railroad as telegrapher and various other positions, a career he found gratifying and spoke of frequently in his later years. Even at the age of 100 he retained the ability to operate a telegraph key. The Railroad Retirement Board recently recognized Tim for his years of service, congratulating him on his long life.

In retirement, Tim and Martha traveled extensively and actively participated in Black Hawk reunion activities. It was during these years that Tim took up painting, whittling and wood work and continued his long-standing vocation as gardener. He and Martha enjoyed time spent with their growing family and attended annual family reunions.

Tim is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings (with the exception of his brother Billy Duke who continues to live in Mesquite, Texas), his wife Martha Anne Curry Duke, and daughter Cindy Duke. He is survived by his sons Kenneth (Brenda) of Garland, Texas, and Dennis (Lorna) of Mart, Texas; grandchildren: April Duke, Kyle Duke (Jill), Adam Duke (Stephanie), Patricia Duke and Derrick Duke; and four great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Connally/Compton Funeral home, 4400 W. Waco Drive, Waco, Texas at 11:00 A.M. The service will be preceded by visitation at 10:00 A.M. The service will be followed by a light meal. Internment will be at the Kirk Cemetery in Mart.

The family is especially grateful for the kindness extended to Tim by his many friends, family, and the staff at Good Samaritan in Denton, Texas and Twin Rivers in Richardson, Texas where he and Martha both lived during their later years. The family also wishes to recognize the staff at The Blake and Harbor Hospice for their care and support during this last year of Tim’s life.