A memorial gathering for Mr. Robert Claude Duke, 61 of Waskom will be held at 2:00 -5:00 p.m., Saturday January 22, 2011 at the family's private home located at 317 Roma Rd., Waskom, Texas. Mr. Duke passed away on his birthday, January 16, 2011 at his home after a brief illness. Robert Claude Duke was born January 16, 1950 in Alice, Texas, the oldest of three siblings born to Lowell Minick Duke and Mary Margaret Mullinax Duke. He attended Northwestern State University and went on to become an astute entrepreneur, owning a lumber yard at the age of 23, developing Duke Hill Estates in Blanchard, LA at 26 and several successful businesses over his lifetime. Bobby was always very generous and constantly looked out for the best interest of his brother and sister. He loved spending time with his two nephews and sharing their lives. Serviving Robert are his step-father, Robert Willett of Waskom; brother and sister-in-law, James "Jim" and Dr. Olga Willett; sister, Sallie Willett Meshell and nephews, Alexander Willett and Dakota Meshell all of Shreveport. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lowell Duke and Mary Willett. The family would like to thank those who graciously took care of Bobby over the years. David, Daniel, Matt and Mike, we appreciate your dedication in making his life more comfortable, especially in the last few years. Special thanks also to Deede Russell who played a major role in his daily life for the last 20 years. The family invites all of Bobby's friends to come and celebrate his life with them and requests in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Shreveport in Bobby's name.