Billy J Duke

Billy J. Duke, 89, of Aztec, died on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, in Aztec. He was born Oct. 19, 1923, in Graham, Okla., to Troy D. and Vida J. Duke.
Bill was a man's man whose life was devoted to his beloved, Florra and his daughters, Jeri and Debi, along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved trout fishing and camping.
He grew up in the oilfields of the Permian Basin, played football for Hobbs High School; leading the Eagles to the state championship in the late 1930's.
Bill began working as a roughneck at age 14, a business that would sustain him for a lifetime.
WWII found him in the 44th Division, 114th Infantry Regiment, one of many who stormed Normandy Beach, marched across France and Germany to the outskirts of Berlin, to the defeat of Germany. He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained by Hilter's Baby Brigade.
After returning to the states, he met and married Florra Coggin, his soul mate for 51 years, before her death in 2002.
Bill returned to the oil and gas business, after his military service, where he was acclaimed for his vast knowledge. Operating heavy equipment, driving a truck or maintenance of pipeline valves, as well as the several valve businesses he owned, helped define this man.
Before he became unable to get out and about as he wished, he was a very active in VFW Post 614, achieving the rank of Post Commander.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart was an organization near to his heart and he proudly served as the State Judge Adjutant.
Becoming an alternate municipal judge for the City of Aztec allowed him to serve once more.
All who knew this "Big Man" will miss his dry wit, quick smile and heart filled with love for his wife, his family and his country. He is our hero.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Florra E. Duke; his parents; brother, Troy Paul Duke; sister, Gloria L. Scown and one great-grandchild.
He is survived by his daughters, Jeri (Jack) Kounce and Debi (David) Mitchell; brother, Jimmy Duke; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
A Memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 14, at Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec with his grandson, Eric Kounce officiating.
Inurnment will follow in Memory Gardens, 6917 E. Main St. in Farmington, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org http://www.cancer.org or call 800-227-2345 or the Children's Wish Cancer Network www.childrenscancernetwork.org http://www.childrenscancernetwork.org
Billy's care is entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec, 405 S. Main Ave., in Aztec 505-334-9332.