Freddie Duke

Freddie Dale Duke, age 80, of Joshua, Texas passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon November 8, 2025. Freddie was born on October 13, 1945 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to Jean Blackburn. He was raised by her and Harry Shipley in Joshua, Texas to be a helpful and responsible young man. In his youth he enjoyed picking peanuts with his dad Harry and helping to care for his younger siblings Belinda, Debbie, Jimmy and Bill. He graduated from Joshua High School in 1964 and then proceeded to serve in the United States Air Force. His service included time spent in Vietnam and Alaska where he worked on electrical and radar installations.

He married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Kay Creach, on October 16, 1966. After getting married, they lived briefly in San Antonio before establishing their current home in Joshua where they welcomed two children. After leaving the military, Freddie worked for a variety of places before establishing his career as a diesel mechanic for Texas Mail where he worked for more than 30 years.

When his dad Harry passed away his siblings looked to him like a "second Dad", and he would do everything he could to help them. He was known by his friends and family as a man of great talent when it came to fixing vehicles, though he loved Ford vehicles and despised Chevys. One of his great passions was working on a 1950 model truck that he was rebuilding and modifying from top to bottom. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles throughout the years, but probably his greatest hobby was fishing. His family enjoyed yearly camping trips to the lake where they shared his love of fishing and then at the end of the week would have a "fish fry" for all to enjoy.

Later in life he faced some unexpected health challenges when he suffered a stroke that changed what he was able to do in life, but despite that he found new things to enjoy. He still loved being outside, whether it was mowing the grass or cruising on his scooter up and down the street. He will always be remembered for the great way that he loved his wife and his determination to overcome any obstacle that he encountered.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cheryl Duke. His daughter Kim Neely and her husband Ron. His son Chuck Duke and his wife Beth. And a beloved Poppie to his grandchildren Gabbie and Zac Hull, Dani and Hunter Carrington, Kailee and Bryant Castro, Sami Neely and Ashleigh Duke. Great-grandchildren include Reagan Hull and Wyatt, Casen and Teagan Carrington. Also survived by his siblings and many nieces and nephews. He will be loved and remembered by all.

Visitation Details:

When: Thursday, November 13th, 2025 5:00 - 8:00pm

Location: Mountain Valley Funeral Home

Address: 3407 SW Wilshire Blvd Joshua, Texas 76058