LeRoy “Duke” Duquette, Jr., 74, of New Athens, IL; born on October 9, 1944 in San Antonio, TX; passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at the New Athens Home for the Aged in New Athens, IL.
Mr. Duquette was a retired rural route mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. He was a United States Army veteran. Duke liked cars and going to car shows. He enjoyed playing darts and shooting pool. He liked football and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. Duke made friends wherever he went and would never hesitate to help anyone.
He was preceded in death by his parents – LeRoy and Gertrude, nee Gamez, Duquette, Sr. One brother – Gilbert Duquette.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years – Mary Ellen, nee Dillow, Duquette whom he married on December 17, 1966 in Belleville, IL. His children – LeRoy (Dawn) Duquette, III of New Athens, IL; Michael (Kara) Duquette of Muncie, IN; Dena (David) Kathriner of Durant, OK; Monica (Mark) Carrasco of Pottsboro, TX; Christopher “Chachi” (Nicole) Duquette of New Athens, IL. Sixteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Four brothers – Juan Duquette; Bobby Gamez; Richard Carrero; Jeffrey Carrero. One sister – Jennifer Carrero.
“Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away to the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that, we still are. Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same that it ever was. There is absolute unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you. For an interval. somewhere. Very near. Just around the corner.
All is well. Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before only better, infinitely happier and forever we will all be one together with Christ.” Henry Scott Holland
Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Association.
Visitation: Friends may call at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL on Thursday, March 7, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m.) and on Friday, March 8, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Funeral: A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL on Friday, March 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Mark Reyling officiating.
Interment: Burial will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. A luncheon will follow the burial at The Nail at 400 South Johnson Street in New Athens, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Our hearts go out to the family, l want you’ll to know that l am with you’ll in thought and wishing you’ll comfort and peace as we remember my cousin LeRoy (Duke)
I’ll remember my Cuz in many positive ways-with a big smile and a great sense of humor, always great with stories.
He will be dearly Missed.❤️ RIP Cuz ..
Truly will miss his visits, such a wonderful man,my deepest sympathies to all the family.
ReplyI will forever miss you Duke. You and Mary and the kids were like my extended family. It’s been over 45yrs since I first met you & the family.
You will forever hold a very deep.special place in my heart.
RIP my dear friend. 💖💖
My brother Lee ,I will truly miss you and your loving personality ,you always brought joy to all our family especially your yearly visits that we all anxiously awaited in your home town of San Antonio ,I will keep your smile and love in my heart thanks for always loving me
ReplyI will remember you my dear (bro)friend in so many ways.I will truly miss you always.Not enough words that I can say or express of what it meant to share in your life. Fly high .
Mary and family my deepest condolences.
Sorry For Your Loss. Please accept this electronic message in lieu of a Sympathy Card. Local National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) volunteers provide help in reporting the death of any federal civilian retiree or a retiree’s spouse to proper authorities. They will explain the process as needed and if requested, can report the death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM 888-767-6738) for you. They can also assist in filling out claim forms for survivor benefits and life insurance You may call either of our Service Officers, Jim Haley at 618 795-5174 or Dean Hemmer at 618 233-3819. If unable to reach either, you may call Gene Wiggins at 618 566-7980.
ReplyFrom the whole Rainey family. We are so sorry to hear about Leroy. Sadly we are unable to make it Back to New Athens at this time. But our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. At this time.
ReplyMy sympathy to your family. I heard of Leroy’s passing only a few days ago. I carry rural mail in Waterloo. I am very sorry for your loss.
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My sympathy to your family. I heard of Leroy’s passing only a few days ago. I carry rural mail in Waterloo. I am very sorry for your loss.
From the whole Rainey family. We are so sorry to hear about Leroy. Sadly we are unable to make it Back to New Athens at this time. But our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. At this time.
Sorry For Your Loss. Please accept this electronic message in lieu of a Sympathy Card. Local National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) volunteers provide help in reporting the death of any federal civilian retiree or a retiree’s spouse to proper authorities. They will explain the process as needed and if requested, can report the death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM 888-767-6738) for you. They can also assist in filling out claim forms for survivor benefits and life insurance You may call either of our Service Officers, Jim Haley at 618 795-5174 or Dean Hemmer at 618 233-3819. If unable to reach either, you may call Gene Wiggins at 618 566-7980.
I will remember you my dear (bro)friend in so many ways.I will truly miss you always.Not enough words that I can say or express of what it meant to share in your life. Fly high .
Mary and family my deepest condolences.
My brother Lee ,I will truly miss you and your loving personality ,you always brought joy to all our family especially your yearly visits that we all anxiously awaited in your home town of San Antonio ,I will keep your smile and love in my heart thanks for always loving me
I will forever miss you Duke. You and Mary and the kids were like my extended family. It’s been over 45yrs since I first met you & the family.
You will forever hold a very deep.special place in my heart.
RIP my dear friend. 💖💖
Truly will miss his visits, such a wonderful man,my deepest sympathies to all the family.
Our hearts go out to the family, l want you’ll to know that l am with you’ll in thought and wishing you’ll comfort and peace as we remember my cousin LeRoy (Duke)
I’ll remember my Cuz in many positive ways-with a big smile and a great sense of humor, always great with stories.
He will be dearly Missed.❤️ RIP Cuz ..