Richard W. 'Duke' Croy

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Duke Croy, 85, passed away on August 13, 2019 at his home in Poplar Bluff.

He was born January 24, 1934 to W.C. and Thelma Lee Croy in Bonne Terre, Mo. Duke married the love of his life Maxine (Bennett) on Dec. 26, 1953.

He was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School and served in the U.S. Navy, stationed in the Pentagon for four years and served an additional four years of Naval Reserve duty. He was a flight instructor during his years of Naval service. Duke was the owner of National Union Insurance Agency in Poplar Bluff until his retirement in 1994. His hobbies included flying, fly fishing, home improvement projects, and RV travel. Duke was also a very accomplished amateur artist.

He is survived by his wife Maxine; sons, Steve (Patricia) Croy and Phil (Jane) Croy and a nephew, Gary (Angie) Croy. There are four grandchildren, Malia Croy, Colin Croy, Angela Flannery and Susan Weeks and four great-grandchildren.

Duke was preceded in death by his parents, W.C. and Thelma Croy and his, brother Tom Croy.

Visitation will be at Cotrell Funeral Chapel at noon on Saturday, August 17 followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Jason Jordan officiating. Interment with full military honors will immediately follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude PL, Memphis TN 38105-9959.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com

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