LUTHER MITCHELL DUKE, SR.

Luther Mitchell Duke, Sr., 86, was born on March 9, 1939, in Lynnville, Tennessee to Prince Albert Duke and Zelna M. A. Gordon Duke, both of whom preceded him in death. He enjoyed recalling the days when he and his sister, Doris, attended Round Hill School.

Luther enjoyed telling stories about growing up on a farm with his siblings, mom and dad, then later his step-dad, Flint Oil Jackson. When he told these stories you could see the light in his eyes expressing his joy filled memories. He said, “There was always something good to eat” fresh off the vine, or milk from the cows to quench your thirst or hunger. The many things that he was taught as a boy gave him strength, skills, and confidence and served him well in his adult years.

Mother Zelna and Luther moved to Indianapolis when he was 11 years old. He learned and grew and had an active life on the westside. In these years, the foundation and seeds of his faith in God were planted in his life. Luther’s early years were highlighted in an article in Historic Indianapolis.com. He graduated from the historic Crispus Attucks High School, class of 1958. That same year, in her wisdom, his mother informed him, “Son, I got you a job.” “So, I walked back to work with her, filled out an   application, and started working,” Luther said.

This began his years of dedication, and hard work at St. Vincent Hospital. He enjoyed putting patients at ease and had a way with children. Luther reached a milestone that no other associate had ever reached - 50 years of loyal service. He was given a gala celebration at the hospital and another celebration at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. And, to top it all off, a road was named “Luther Duke Drive” in his honor. After 55 years of service, he retired. St. Vincent was a special place to him. He touched many lives, and they touched his. He was blessed with a loyal St. V. crew who checked on him, took him on outings, and celebrated with him even after he retired.

Always dapper, Luther, aka “Cool Hand Luke” a.k.a. “Duke” really enjoyed watching westerns and watching and discussing sports and sport shows. He often rooted for the Lakers, the Patriots, and the Duke Blue Devils.

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