Claude Duke,

Claude Vernon Duke, Jr. age 68, of Cleveland, died Wednesday November 24, 2010 at his home in Cleveland.  He was born on September 01, 1942 to Claude and Annie (Arendale) Duke, Sr in Marks, MS. Mr. Duke was a Graduate of Marks High School and North West Junior College where he obtained a degree in Electronic Engineering. Mr. Duke served in the US Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1963.  He married Susan Hudspeth on February 05, 1969 in Cleveland.  He was a former sales clerk for Walker Welding for more than 30 years. Mr. Duke had several hobbies and interests which included membership in the Benoit Outing Club and Hunting Club, VFW, National Rifle Association as well as being an avid sportsman, watching sports, hunting and fishing. He was a Baptist.  Visitation will be held Saturday from 1:00 PM until funeral service at 2:00 PM at the Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland. Burial will be at the Delta Heights Memorial Gardens with the Reverend Thomas Bruce officiating the services. Pall-bearers will be his friends Gale Roark, Jerry Ainsworth, Ed Pollan, Ken Livingston, Hilton Tarver, Bobby Stanford, Murry Litton, Mickey Livingston, Rickey Livingston and Gerald Stanford. He is survived by wife of 41 years, Susan H. Duke of Cleveland, MS.  Son, Jeffery and wife (Beth) Duke of Cleveland, MS. Daughter, Renee husband (Troy) Metcalfe of New Windsor, NY.  3 Granddaughters, Arieanne Duke of New Windsor, NY, Morgan Duke of Cleveland, MS, Sydney Metcalfe of New Windsor, NY and a Grandson, Jason Bowen of Cleveland, MS. memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cleveland Funeral Home.