Claude Duke

CLAUDE DUKE Chesterville - Claude Edward Duke, 95, died Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at Baptist Memorial Hospital of Oxford. A lifelong resident of the Chesterville Community, Claude was born September 16, 1920, to Claude Elford and Lucille Means Duke. He was a WWII Veteran of the United States Army. Claude served in seven major campaigns in the European Theater, North Africa, Sicily, Naples, Anzio, South France, the Battle of the Bulge and the crossing of the Rhine. He was a member of the American Legion and was a volunteer deliverer for Meals on Wheels for many years. Claude retired from the Coley Implement Co. (John Deere dealer) after thirty years of service. He assembled the first self-propelled John Deere cotton picker in North Mississippi and placed it in service. Claude was a very devoted long time member and former deacon of Bissell Baptist Church. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2015 at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Roger Smith officiating. Graveside services will follow in Lee Memorial Park. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements. Survivors include one son, Bill Duke (Patsy) of Tupelo; two sisters, Betty Jean Breland (Billy) and Edith Fikes (Charles) both of Tupelo; two brothers, Cecil Dike and Charles Duke (Patsy) both of Tupelo; two grandchildren, David Duke (Jennifer) of Madison and Rebecca Duke of the home. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elizabeth Barnes Duke in 2006; one sister, Dorothy Stepp (Otis); and one sister-in-law, Juanita Duke. Pallbearers will be Deacons of Bissell Baptist Church. Visitation will be 5 until 8 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2015 at W. E. Pegues, Tupelo. Memorials may be made to Bissell Baptist Church, 4662 W. Main, Tupelo, MS 38801 or Meals on Wheels, 2800 W. Main St., Tupelo, MS 38801. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com