William Francis Duke

William Francis Duke, 95, Lincoln, died Sunday, October 24, 2010. The son of Ira and Mattie (Cogdill) Duke was born September 16, 1915 on a farm northeast of Sutherland, Iowa. First came to Lincoln in 1955 leaving in 1965 and returning in 1967 residing in Lincoln ever since. He attended a number of schools in northeast Iowa and California graduating from high school in Peterson, Iowa. He attended the University of Maryland briefly. He entered the military in 1941 and in 1942 was appointed Second Lieutenant in the Army of the United States. In 1947 he was appointed First Lieutenant, Air Corps, Regular Army. He graduated from Air Staff and Command School and Associate Course Air War College. Stationed at Lincoln Air Force Base from 1958 to 1965. Last assignment at Base was Executive Officer 818th Air Division. His 25 year military career included service during three armed conflicts; World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1966 as a Lieutenant Colonel. After retirement he was employed by the State of Nebraska as Deputy Director of the State Department of Personnel retiring from that position in 1977. He is a member of the American Legion Post #3, Lincoln, NE and a life member of The Retired Officers Association. In 1942 he was united in marriage with Ruth Lillian Jensen in Greenville, South Carolina. They are the parents of one son Terry William. Left to cherish his memory are his son and daughter-in-law Terry and Wendy of Seattle, WA, two grandsons Nicholas and Matthew, nephew Howard and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth in 1977 and his parents. Memorials in lieu of flowers to donors favorite charity.

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