Alford Howard Duke, 89, of Mexia (formerly of Houston) passed away on May 5, 2009 in Mexia. Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2009 in the Tehuacana Cemetery. Rev. Dale McDaniel will officiate. Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home. Alford was born to Alford Vert and Hollis Hopkins Duke in Wortham on March 11, 1920. He retired from Shell Oil Company in Houston, where he worked as a machinist for many years. Alford served his country during World War II in the U. S. Navy. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mildred Duke; son, Ronnie Duke; and two brothers, Jeby Duke and Ray Duke. Alford is survived by his daughter, Sheila Walton; grandchildren, Deanna Wright, Doty Smith, Tony Smith, Michael Walton, Angel Duke and Rodney Duke; eleven great-grandchildren; and brothers, Tarpley Duke, Bobby Duke and Billy J. Duke. Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave a memorial message or sign the guest register.