Dale P. Duke

Dale P. Duke, age 80, of Urbana, a remarkable man and talented musician, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at his residence. He was born on November 21, 1944, in Piqua, Ohio, to the late Charles Duke and Audrey Oldfather Duke Wright.

On April 8, 1995, he married Shirley (Moore) Duke, and she survives in Urbana.

Left to treasure his memory are children; Erin Duke of Springfield, Cory (Kelsey) Duke of Piqua, Valerie Barton and Renee Brown of Tipp City; grandchildren; Alec, Maddox, Noah, Audrey, Willow, Davey and Destiny, two bonus grandchildren; Charlee and Beckett, two great grandchildren; Finn and Maverick. Also surviving are siblings; Raymond (Judy) Duke of Vandalia, Sandra Powers and Sherilyn Hyden of Piqua, and stepbrother Timothy (Lisa) Wright of Troy, Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles “Chuck” Duke, an infant son, son-in-law Dave Barton and mothers of his children, Barbara Lawson and Cindy Scott.

He was a proud parent and grandparent. His proudest moments were spent with his children and grandchildren at sporting events and other life functions. The family enjoyed many good times at Indian Lake, hosting family cookouts, swimming and fishing. Dale was an avid fisherman and loved teaching his grandkids.

 Dale served in the US Army and was a 1962 graduate of Piqua High School. He was employed many years as Shop Foreman at American Steel Fabricators in Sidney and a member of the Indian Lake Moose Post 1533. During his 65 years entertaining, Dale has entertained thousands of fans throughout Ohio, Florida, Nevada and California, and will long be remembered by his “honky tonk” style of playing, his unusual vocals, joke telling, never meeting a stranger, and a willingness to help fellow musicians.

He had a passion for people and always looked to enrich the lives of those around him with his music.  He will be deeply missed and will leave behind an unfillable void for his family, friends, and fans. He has left us with a heavy heart and the knowledge that he is no longer in pain.

Family and friends may visit Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, 1401 Fair Road, Sidney. A Celebration of Dale’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Dave Burkhart officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Point Cemetery in Pasco with full military honors performed by the U.S. Army and Shelby County Veterans.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: His Hands Extended Sanctuary, 1560 Dialton Road, St. Paris, Ohio 43072.      Reference: Pet Franklin Rescue.

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