CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE HELD AT THE NORTH COURTENAY CHURCH OF CHRIST ON DECEMBER 5TH (SATURDAY) AT 1PM.

2455 NORTH COURTENAY PARKWAY, MERRITT ISLAND 32953

Chief Colonel Howard (C.H., “Duke”) Duke 73 passed away at his daughter’s home  at 3:20A.M. on December 2.  2015 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous and hard fought  8 year battle with Myelofibrosis.

Duke was born on December 13, 1941 in Cecilia, Kentucky to Colonel Howard and Ethel Duke.  He grew up in Miami and graduated from Southwest Miami High School.  It was during his junior high school years that he met the woman he would share his life with, Diana Ellison.  They were married for 55 years and raised three wonderful daughters.

In 1964 he joined the City of Miami Fire Department and moved through the ranks.  He was appointed Director of the Department in 1987 where he served until his retirement in 1991.  He served as President of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association in 1991.  In addition, Duke served on local, state and national fire and building safety boards and committees and published numerous articles in professional journals.

Duke retired to Merritt Island in 2003 and enjoyed his boating, fishing, travel, and most of all, his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends.   Sunday get togethers  with family were among his favorite times where his competitive spirit made him the usual winner in family game nights!

In addition to Diana, his  best friend and wife of 55 years, he is survived by his daughters, Colana (Bryan) Beard of Canaveral Groves, Tracy (Brian) Hillesheim of Green Bay, WI, and Tiffany (Dave) Smith of Merritt Island; his sister, Mary (Victor) Bonura, 6 adored grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Thelma Louise  Duke and Beatrice Ashby and infant brother, Cecil.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. On Saturday, December 5th at The North Courtney Church of Christ at 2455 North Courtney Parkway, Merritt Island, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to BE THE MATCH.org
( bone marrow donor program) or the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital Burn Center, POBox 016960 #D40,Miami, FL 33101