"My sincere sympathy to you and your family. May the Lord bless you with peace and understanding and the loving support of many friends. Sincerely, Heather"
In loving memory of
Edgar "Paul" Duker
April 11, 2013
Edgar " Paul " Duker, age 70, of 3414 the Courts of Westview, Quincy, IL 62301 died Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 11:46 p.m. in his home following many years of health complications due to Agent Orange exposure in Viet Nam.
He was born January 19, 1943 in Alton, IL the son of Guy Maxwell and Tula Ruth Paul Duker. On August 20, 1966 he married Suzanne Veach in Quincy. She survives.
Paul was a 1961 graduate of Urbana High School. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelors in Music Education in 1965 where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Paul received his Masters in School Administration at Eastern Illinois University.
Paul was in the Army from 1967 until 1970, serving at Fort Sheridan Headquarters 5th Army Band and Long Binh Viet Nam USERV Headquarters Band. He reached the rank of sergeant.
Paul was the High School Band Director for Unity High School in Tolono, IL from 1965-1967. He was the band director for Effingham Public Schools 1970-1971. From 1971 to 1985 he was an elementary and junior high band director for Quincy Public Schools. He was the Principal of Baldwin North, 1986-1989. From 1989, until his retirement in 1994, he served as the Principal of Baldwin School. After his retirement, he continued to do personnel work for Quincy Public Schools.
Paul was active in many community groups associated with child advocacy and song leader for Downtown Rotary. He was especially proud of co-chairing the Adopt-A-Seat drive in 1984 which allowed for the renovation of the seats at Morrison Theater. That project then helped Quincy win the All America City designation in 1985 and Paul served on that committee as well.
Paul was instrumental in the forming of the Quincy Community Band serving as its conductor and later president of the Quincy Community Concert Band Board of Directors. He wanted musicians of all levels to have a place to enjoy playing music in their adult years.
He was a member of Urbana First Methodist Church from 1952 until 1971. Paul joined Vermont Street United Methodist Church in 1971, where he was an active member serving on many committees and singing in the choir.
He enjoyed playing golf, tennis, biking, bridge, and was an avid reader.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include two sons: Douglas Paul Duker and his wife Laura of Gurnee, IL and their sons Drew and Ben; and Mark Andrew Duker and his wife Jennifer of Oswego, IL and their children Maddie and Josh; a niece: Beth Allender and her husband Mark of Champaign, IL and their children Erica, Ian, and Audrey; a nephew: Steve Holzgraefe and his wife, Debbie of Prior Lake, MN; his brother: John G. Duker of Quincy; his mother-in-law: Emily Veach of Quincy, IL; and his step-mother: Ernestyne Duker of Champaign, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law Roger Veach; his sister-in-law Pam Holzgraefe; and his brother-in-law Richard Holzgraefe.
Services: A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Vermont Street United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Scott Grulke officiating.
Visitation: Saturday, April 13, 2012 from 3-7 p.m. at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Private inurnment will be in Greenmount Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Vermont Street United Methodist Church, 818 Vermont, Quincy, IL 62301 or Quincy Public Schools Music Department, 3322 Maine, Quincy, IL 62301.
Hansen-Spear Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
www.hansenspear.com
Tributes
"Suzie and family - We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers."
"Suzi, I am so sorry for your loss. Both you and Paul faced his medical struggle with such courage. You are both an inspiration. I hope you will find comfort in knowing that you did all you could to support him. He was an amazing man and my children were better for having known him. Your love and organization helped him be the amazing man he was. Mark and Paul, it must be devastating to lose your father. He was a great man. I hope you take comfort in how proud you made him, as well as knowing that he was someone who truly made a difference in the lives of others. My prayers are with you all. Kay Dyer"
"Dear Suzi and family: Suzi and Paul, you were special in our lives. The Vermont Street Church gave us an opportunity to meet both of you. We cherish the times we shared, the dinners we enjoyed, and the special people who were in the lives of many people, including Earl and Sandra. We will not be able to worship with you on Sunday but our prayers, thoughts, and celebration of his life will be with you at 4:00 p.m. Paul was a great man. You were a marvelous caregiver. With love, Earl and Sandra"
"Having lived in Quincy for 15 years and associating with Paul & Suzi and their family during that time, we found Paul to be an exceptional person--talented, personable and professional. We are sorry for his loss, but he has left many fond memories with all of us. Our sincere condolences to Suzi and all the family."
"My dear Suzi, I am so saddened to hear of Paul's passing. I have never seen anyone fight so hard as Paul did over these past years. That is a tribute to you and the special care you gave him during this time. He was so fortunate to have you by his side. Losing your life's love is so difficult. My life is better because of knowing Paul as a fellow musician and also as working as a teacher under him. I will miss his presence greatly. Take care of yourself, Suzi and rejoice in the fact that you were there for him his entire life."
"Prayers are being lifted up for the family. Mr. Duker was an outstanding man who made a difference in the lives of so many people. May all the people he came into contact with live out his example of service to others."
"Suzi, I was very saddened to hear of Paul's passing. It is so heartbreaking to lose one's life partner. Hold on to your faith and keep the wonderful memories close to your heart."
"Will always remember his funny personality and my favorite Music Teacher, He always made me earn 1st chair. Prayers to his Family Leann"
""When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be... When we all see Jesus we'll sing and shout the victory!" Paul was a beacon of light, joy and hope to everyone who was lucky enough to pass through his like. His presence will be greatly missed but his spirit will live on forever through all the many lives he touched....and I will think of him and smile when a piece of music dances through my soul... Suzi, much love to you...I hold you in my heart and prayers..."
"Ken and i were saddened to hear of Paul's passing he was a great friend and a wonderful teacher and director. our thoughts and prayers are with Suzi and the rest of the family."
"Paul, or to me, "Mr Duker" was so much a reason for who I am today. Thinking of him today has brought back such warm memories of musicals, shows, and jazz band trips to Disney world. I am so saddened to learn of his passing. May he rest in peace, knowing he changed, or affected so many kids lives. From the Hickle/Hare duo!"
"Suzi we are so sorry for your loss.May you know that Paul will be truly missed.He was very Special to us as you were too. He will be singing and playing with the Heavenly Angels."
"Susie, Sandy and I are saddened to hear about Paul's passing. He was a great man who had a tremendous influence on many people. I was blessed to be one of them. May God's peace comfort you as we await the time that we join Paul in heaven with our Lord. John and Sandy"
"Paul will be greatly missed by the Quincy community. He is part of the many great memories of my high school years and the reason for my love of music."
"Suzi and Family - I too have many great memories of Mr. Duker at QJHS and QHS 1 in the 70's. Mr Duker was a great band director, and great leader. The Quincy community and your family has lost a great person. I came to your house many times for private clarinet lessons with Mr. Duker. Sincere condolences."
"Mrs. Duker, so sorry to hear about your husband. He was such an awesome person in/out of school. Prayers going up for you and your son's and their children. I'm sure he was an awesome grandfather. He will always and forever be remembered in the Quincy community. Kathy"
"Suzie, I was saddened to hear of Paul's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family. I will always have very fond memories of "Mr. Duker" has part of my school memories and the part of my life with music in Jr. High and High School; as well as part of the family of Vt. St. UMC. Jolene"
"What a gentleman. I enjoyed knowing him ever since I was in his first junior high band at Quincy. He will be missed."
"Suzi, our deepest sympathies to you and your family - though we all know Paul has entered a glorious place. We are deeply saddened that out of town obligations will prevent us from attending services for Paul this weekend - you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Chris, Kim, Kelsey and Cooper"
"So sorry to hear about Paul's death. He was a true community leader. And he was a great role model for my husband and me as we raised our children in Quincy. My daughter went to college on a clarinet scholarship. Paul told me once that the clarinet was "God's instrument" ! My sympathy to Suzi and the family - Nancy Bluhm"
"Suzi, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers for you and your family for peace in your hearts and in your minds. I know you have many fond memories as you used to share them with us back in Child Care class. Brenda"
"Dear Suzi and Family, Paul was a very good man and he will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to you and everyone who shared his life. As ever, Dick & Pat Wentura"
"There are very few people as respected and admired as Paul......And, for many reasons: I enjoyed working with him at Baldwin as well as seeing him at many ARTS functions in Quincy. I particularly enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm for great music and interesting movies. He has left a wonderful legacy in the community, and there is a noted void now. Peace to Suzi and the family! Doris Malacarne"
"I have many memories of Paul but one that sticks out was a time at the Methodist Church in Alton when the Dukers came to visit when we all went to church. My favorite part of the service as a child was the music. It was thrilling for me to see Paul and John as we stood up to sing, launch into beautiful harmonies with great gusto and enthusiasm. They must have been young adults by then, and were clearly meant for a life of music. My brother John also sends his love and condolences. He said he has been reminiscing about his times with Paul. I know he will want to send a message of his own. May you all find comfort in each other and his memory. Love, Georgeanne"