Bobby L. Duke, 79, of Chanute, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012 at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute.

Bobby was born in Independence on Dec. 18, 1933, the son of Pearl and Royal Duke. He grew up and attended schools in Independence.

He entered the U.S. Army on October 27, 1953, serving during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 26, 1956.

After the army, Bobby attended Pittsburg State University and received a degree in mathematics.

He went to Washington, D.C., where he worked for the Bureau of Navy. He later moved to Chanute and worked at Nu-Wa Industries until his retirement.

He was united in marriage to Virginia Spurling (Young) on June 25, 1994. She preceded him in death in April 2010.

Bobby is survived by five brothers, Leroy Duke and his wife, Geneva, of Oak Valley, Charles Duke and his wife, Nancy, of Independence, Larry Duke of Independence, James Duke and his wife, Becky, of Independence, and Rodney Duke of Independence; three sisters, Rosemary Hull and her husband, Phil, of St. Joseph, Mo., Bessie Meadows and her husband, Dean, of Elk City, and Robin Shull of Neodesha: 18 nieces and nephews; 27 great nieces and nephews; and one great-great-nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Virginia, and a brother Johnny Duke.

Funeral will be Friday, Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel.

He will be in state on Thursday from noon until 8:00 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel.

Memorials in his name may be made to Cast-A-Ways and may be left at the funeral home.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com