Richard M. Duke, age 84, passed away Friday, May 15, 2015 at Parker Health Care.  Born in Gary on September 14, 1930, he grew up in Gary and lived in LaPorte County for 30 years.  He also lived in Arizona and Colorado before moving to his daughter's house near the Muncie/DeSoto area in 2008.  Richard was a graduate of Gary Edison High School and worked at U.S. Steel in Gary for twenty-five years before retiring in 1986.  He also farmed in LaPorte and Stark County for over thirty years and was a former member of the Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Shrine.

Survivors include his daughter: Cindy Bates (husband: Robert), Muncie/DeSoto; two sisters: Marilyn Hansen (husband: Clarence), Sun City West, AZ, and Carolyn Bucko (husband: Mike), Hebron; three grandchildren: Scott Bates (wife: Amanda), Perrysburg, OH, Dana Grant (husband: Jonathan), Bowling Green, OH, and Michael Bates, Muncie; three great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Duke; a sister: Dorothy King, and his parents.

Cremation was chosen; a memorial service will be held at a later date.