Calvin Jeffery Duke

Calvin Jeffery Duke, age 69, passed away peacefully in his home on June 15th with the love of his life of 42 years, Barbara, and their son, Joshua, by his side. He didn’t lose his battle to cancer. He beat cancer by fighting it every day for two and a half years spending each day believing he would win and living his life as if he would. We could not have been more proud of him. 

 Jeff spent 42 years as a youth and ordained pastor of the United Methodist Church. His generosity and big heart were often overshadowed by his laughter and sense of humor, but he touched thousands with his dedication to service of others. He never fully realized or understood how many people’s lives he touched by his wit, his wisdom, and his love and devotion to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Many have already missed his scripture reflections and unique sense of humor he shared every weekday for years on Facebook and emails. 

 His gifts went beyond preaching and teaching. His artwork is remembered by many for being a licensed artist with LSU and the whimsical way he portrayed his humor through different mediums: pencil, ink, oil, pastels, sculpture, and pottery just to head the list. His imagination took him to writing a novel (or two) about wizards and dragons and others on a spiritual quest. Jeff was also very proud of his scouting experiences that included being awarded an Eagle Scout. He had more hobbies than we could name, but none were more special to him than building Legos with his son and wife and collecting baseball cards with Joshua. 

No one will miss him more than his wife of 42 years, Barbara, and their son, Joshua. Josh and his wife, Karli, gave the gift of grandchildren, Boston and Banks. After a long process to decide on a name, Boston and Banks will miss their Dude. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, nephew and a host of other kin. 

Services will be held at 3 PM on August 1, 2024, at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 230 Renee’ Drive, off of Highland Rd. in Baton Rouge, LA 70810. It would have been his 70th birthday, so we’re going to celebrate his life! 

Unable to attend in person? There will be a live feed on Facebook and YouTube: stjohnsbr.org/live 

 Instead of flowers, please donate to your local food bank/pantry or the St. John’s UMC food pantry, the Shepherds Market, link is stjohnsbr.org/give (under General Budget)