Gerald "Jerry" S. Duke, 79, passed away at 11:25 a.m. Monday, October 3, 2016, at his residence in Murphysboro. Gerald was born on February 14, 1937, in Murphysboro, Illinois, to James H. Duke, Sr. and Mabel N. (Lively) Duke. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict. Mr. Duke had worked as a salesman for automobiles and also insurance. He was Baptist by faith. Jerry was a former member of the Elk's Lodge and Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed going fishing. He liked to work crossword puzzles, watch the Cardinals play, and he enjoyed reading Western novels. Jerry married Sarah Creason on April 27, 1957, in Corinth, Mississippi and she survives. Other survivors include four children and their spouses Rick and Vicky Duke and Greg and Kim Duke, all of DeSoto, Debbie Roberts, and Terri Duke Clutts and Mike Clutts, all of Murphysboro; nine grandchildren Sara Beth Duke, Taylor Duke, Lacey Smith, Shelby Duke, Brandi Ward, Paige Vanzant, Megan Korando, Joshua Hale, and Lecia Hale; ten great grandchildren; and one brother and his wife Jeff and Kim Duke of Carbondale. He is also survived by four sister in laws, Pauline Duke, Shirley Hunt, Lorene Bill, and Claudine Hale; one brother in law Karl Beisner; one aunt Zernell Tretter, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one great granddaughter Blair Korando, two brothers Dennis Duke and James Duke, Jr., one sister Nancy Vestal, and his parents. The family would like to thank Celtic Hospice and especially India Walker, for the care that was received by their family. Gravesite services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 6, 2016, at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park with Rev. Charles Allen officiating with military services conducted by the Paul Stout American Legion Post # 127. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Memorials may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital. For more information, please visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com.