Richard Duke

BURLESON -- Richard Duke, 73, a retired salesman, died Monday, September 26, 2005 in Fort Worth. Memorial service: 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 28, 2005 First United Methodist Church of Burleson. Private burial at a later date. Visitation: 6-8 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials: Potted plants or flowers are encouraged in lieu of sprays or wreaths. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Burleson. Richard Harold Duke had a long career as a salesman for a collection agency. He was a founding member of the Texas Association of Financial Aid Administrators(TASFAA) and was recently inducted into the TASFAA Hall of Fame. He was loyal and generous to friends and strangers. His generosity was perhaps best exemplified by his annual portrayal of Santa Claus, through which he collected car loads of toys each year for needy children. Richard was a member of the Burleson Rotary Club, Burleson Chamber of Commerce and First United Methodist Church. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, O.L. Duke, Sr.& Bessie Brelsford Duke, and his brother, Osborn L. Duke, Jr. Survivors: Wife of 41 years, Margaret DuBose Duke; son, Donny and his wife Marty; daughter, Cherry Duke; grandchildren, Brandi, Dillon and Garrett; niece, Olivia Duke; sister-in-law, Barbara Duke.