of Conway, AR
July 30, 1933 - May 15, 2025
John Harlen Duke, born July 30, 1933; He passed away at 91 years, in Conway, AR on May 15, 2025.
If one word could be used to describe John, it would be devotion.
In his early years, he dedicated himself to his parents and siblings, his education and sports. He loved basketball and received a scholarship to UCA where he obtained his degree in education.
John lived for his family. He married his wife, Sylvia, in 1957 and remained unabashedly, boundlessly and boldly devoted to her for over 66 years. When speaking of ''Big Momma'', Sylvia, he would tell everyone that she was the best and most beautiful woman in Arkansas and he was the luckiest man alive. Through the years they had 3 sons, Gary, Steve and Greg; who, in turn, gave them 3 grandchildren; who then gave them 5 great grandchildren. John's niece, Jami, was also one of his favorite humans. They showered each generation (and all their friends) with affection and endless snacks. No one ever left John's house without a snack and Big K soda in hand.
John was devoted to his career. He was a pillar in his community and a strong provider. His love of sports transferred to coaching his students and family's teams. He also served as a Human Resource Director and special education supervisor in Central and Eastern AR for over 40 years. His countless contributions allowed him to positively impact everyone he worked with and rewarded him with a beautiful purpose.
John was a man of faith and attended Central Baptist Church. His love and faith in the Lord showed through him every day in his selfless acts and endless care.
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his sister, Nancy; his brother, Ronnie; 3 sons, Gary, Steve and Greg (Beverly); 3 grandchildren, Natasha, Devon and Brandon (Julie); 5 great-grandchildren, Evan, Olivia, John, Aniston and Frank; niece, Jami and great niece/nephews, Jessica and Jacob. He was also survived by a large and wonderful extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Sr and Grace and his brother, Leo Jr.
There will be a funeral service on Saturday, May 17, 2025 starting at 10:00am at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, after which he will be laid to rest in Crestlawn Memorial Park, Conway.
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24 Condolence(s)
Larry Rathjen
Friday, June 13, 2025
John was a neat guy. His laugh was hilarious! He was insightful and was always entertaining to visit with. He will be missed.
Glenda Graham McNew
Thursday, May 22, 2025
To the family of John Harlan Duke, we express our condolences. I am a granddaughter of his Aunt Carl Martin in Mayflower. I have many fond memories of Uncle Leo and Aunt Grace. My mother was Willodene Martin Graham. They visited our home on occasion. We were sorry to learn of his service after the fact. We might have come had we known!
Would have loved to have seen Nancy and Ronnie. My daughter, Christie, and I still live in Mayflower, AR. We send our love!
Lana Iksen Gartner
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Sylvia, Gary, Steve and Greg so very sorry for your loss!! Devon, I know how much Sylvia and John meant to you so hang on to all those sweet memories!
Cecilia Sloat
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Sylvia and Family: So sorry to hear of John’s death. Know you and yours are in my prayers. God bless,
Cecilia Sloat
Karen Matthews
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Family, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He and Ronnie worked together at the Human Development Center for several years and remind friends after Ron started a new business venture. I am sure they had a grand reunion in heaven. Prayers for all of you.
Marilyn Mathis
Saturday, May 17, 2025
I just heard about John’s death. So sorry I missed his service. He was a special cousin and Sylvia a dear friend. God bless you and give you strength, peace and wonderful memories.
Judy Harper
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Mrs. Duke and family , my family is so sorry for your loss. Praying the Lord will comfort you in the coming days.
Linda Ashby Thomas
Saturday, May 17, 2025
So sorry for your loss. May God strengthen you and your family during this trying time. May he remind you of the time you gracefully spent and all the memories you shared. It's ok to shed tears for the moment. but please don't let it consume you into getting sick yourself. May God be with you
Novella Stanley Short
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Praying for you and your family.
Carol Acuff Armijo
Friday, May 16, 2025
I Love this man so much. My family was family friends with John, Sylvia, Gary, Steven and Greg. We were super close for about the first 10 years that we lived in Arkansas. Our families spent lots of time together ♥️. He was a wonderful man and did a lot for the Arkansas Children’s colony!! He will be missed. ♥️. Carol Acuff
Linda Starr
Friday, May 16, 2025
Sylvia and family
I know and your family will miss John but will find comfort knowing that he is in our Father’s loving hands and with other loved ones!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Don and Linda (Strayhorn) Starr
Dan & Sue White
Friday, May 16, 2025
Sylvia and family, we are so sorry for your loss. John was a very special, caring friend to us. He hired Dan at CHDC and has been a wonderful friend throughout the years. We are praying for God to bring you all peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Gina Fiddler Fitzhugh
Friday, May 16, 2025
John will be missed by many! He always had a smile on his face and was a great father. I know my daddy was excited to see him enter the pearly gates. My love and prayers are with Greg and family.
Gwen Richardson
Friday, May 16, 2025
Greg and Beverly,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope the wonderful memories keep you strong during this time.
Pam White Dunavant
Friday, May 16, 2025
Sylvia, Gary, Steve, Greg, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. John was such a caring and humble man. He always had a smile and a good story to share, and he loved you so much. I am praying God's peace and comfort for all of you and strength during this difficult time.
Barbara Smith
Friday, May 16, 2025
My sincere condolences for your tremendous loss. Mr. Duke hired me to be his secretary at the Human Development Center many years ago. I can truly say he was a great supervisor and became a good friend who served the developmentally disabled with dignity and compassion. Blessings to all.
Jolinda Bryant
Friday, May 16, 2025
I was sorry to learn that John had passed away. He did live a long and wonderful life. He and I shared the same birthday. I worked with him at Conway Human Development Center for a number of years before he went to Little Rock. Praying for each of you as you process his loss and know he is with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Charlsie Castleberry McBride
Friday, May 16, 2025
With my condolences for your loss.
chris curtis
Friday, May 16, 2025
Growing up in Conway there were always special people that impacted peoples lives in a positive way. Mr Duke was one of those people. Always a welcoming smile and a positive outlook on any situation. I am thankful my children got to experience the same smile and positive outlook that i did growing up whenever you got to see Mr. Duke. He was loved and respected by my family and will be missed.
Marty Martin
Friday, May 16, 2025
Mr. Duke was a true beacon of light. He was a great man who always loved and provided for his family. I will really miss having conversations with him. Rest in peace John Duke.
Glenda Fulmer
Friday, May 16, 2025
Sylvia and boys - what a wonderful legacy John has left to show others how to treat and love their family. I never saw John when he wasn't bragging and promoting his family. Such wonderful memories!
Jason banks
Thursday, May 15, 2025
My deepest sympathy to the family John always treated me well
Nina and David Baker
Thursday, May 15, 2025
May you be comforted.
He will be greatly missed.
Steven Horton
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Steve, My deepest condolences for your loss and my prayers go out to you and your family!