Curtis Duke

Curtis Duke, 96, passed away on June 19, 2019 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was born on May 25, 1923 in Splendora, Texas to the late Jerry and Lillie (Patton) Duke. Curtis was the 7th son followed by 2 sisters. Curtis was a member of the Lion’s Club, American Legion Post 35 and Sons of Confederate Veterans. He taught school for 40 years, and coached 6th grade basketball. In 1955 he worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He was a teacher and principal for the Mariano Lake Boarding School. Curtis was an avid fisherman and music lover, especially singing. He also formed the American Federation of Teachers Union in Gallup, NM. Curtis served his country proud in the United States Navy. He served for 2 years, 11 months and 13 days on USS Ruff, a minesweeper. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Thelma Duke; brothers, Ellis, Oscar, Jerry, Brady, Jessie and Edmond and sisters, Gladys and Lilly. Curtis is survived by his daughters, Frances “Laverne” Rodriguez and husband Alex and Thelma “Lanita” Harris and husband David; step daughters, Veronica Cotton, Sayward Harris and Leona Atwood; grandchildren, Michael David Rodriguez, Paul Alexander Rodriguez, Stephanie Michelle Rodriguez and Chris Rodriguez; step grandchildren, Christina Cotton, Alexis Cotton, Christian Atwood and Carson Atwood and great grandchildren, Gabriella Rodriguez, Michael Benjamin Rodriguez and RaeAnn Rodriguez. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at the Harris Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty, NM. Pastor John Nash to Officiate. Honorary Pallbearers will be David Harris, Alex Rodriguez, Alfred Harris, Michael Rodriguez, Paul Rodriguez and Mike B.A. Rodriguez.