Howard L. Dukes

Howard L. Dukes, 97, of Secretary passed away on Friday, June 4, 2021 at his home. He was born in Secretary on June 22, 1923 and was the son of the late Howard L. Dukes, Sr. and Daisy Hurst Dukes Wheatley and stepfather Roland Wheatley.

He graduated from East New Market High School. On August 7, 1942, he married the former Margaret Marine, who passed away on June 30, 2002. He had numerous jobs, but his main career was working for Dorchester County Board of Education, where he was a custodian at Warwick Elementary School. He enjoyed camping and traveling.

He is survived by five sons Howard R. “Ronnie” Dukes and wife Linda of East New Market, Larry Dukes and wife Jane of Hurlock, Walter Dukes and wife Susan of Secretary, Norman Dukes and wife Susan of Seaford and Melvin Dukes of Secretary, 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. Besides his parents and his wife, Mr. Dukes is preceded in death by a son Harold Dukes, a sister Evelyn Willey, great granddaughter Zoe Dukes and a daughter in law Dena Dukes.

Pallbearers will be Artie Dukes, Ricky Dukes, Brian Dukes, Skip Dukes, Steve Dukes and David Dukes.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 1 pm at Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge with Rev. Dennis Gilliard officiating. Interment will follow at East New Market Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.