Duke was born on September 16, 1930 to Maude and Jesse Howell in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was raised in a large family. He was one of nine children. His siblings names were Walter, Cyrus, Rozelle, Peg, Maudean, Bill, Donald and Mack. He has one son Ken and daughter in law Cheri, one grandchild Cari and a great grandson Jason. He was in the Air Force for 27 years and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. He worked in supply and installed computer systems. Duke has been in England, Vietnam and Alaska. He was Baptist. He owned dogs. Duke enjoyed watching football. The University of Alabama was his favorite team. He enjoyed reading and sorting thru papers. He was a real southern gentleman and loved Sweet Tea.