1Sg (Ret.) Brian James Duke

Brian James Duke, 52, of Manhattan, passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Brian was born on September 13, 1968, in Granite City, Illinois. He graduated in 1987 from Olathe High School in Olathe, Colorado. Brian was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hiking in the Colorado mountains. Brian was an avid stamp collector and enjoyed oil painting. He was a member of the VFW, Manhattan Arts Center painting club, Milford R/C club, and the Midwest Philatelic Society. Brian joined the United States Army in 1988 and served honorably for over 21 years to include tours in Germany, Korea, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Brian retired in December 2009 after achieving the rank of 1SG. Brian received many high honors and awards to include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. Serving our country was an honor for Brian and he made many lifelong friends while doing so. Brian took pride as a field artillery soldier as well as a recruiter. Brian is survived by his wife Stephanie of Manhattan; sons; Steve and Thomas Duke of Milford; Step-sons; Glenn Niess Jr. and Zackery Niess of Manhattan; his mother; Bonnie Brockelman Duke of Junction City; Parents in law, Connie McClellan of Manhattan, and Eddie and Lois McClellan of Flordia; Brothers; Jeffrey and Bruce Duke of Dothan Alabama; numerous nieces and nephews; and his two dogs; Missy Jo and Max Duke. Brian was preceded in death by his father Joseph Duke; his uncle John Brockelman; and his grandmother Bonnie Dickerson. A Celebration of Brian's life will be held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at 1:30 pm at Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan, Kansas. Graveside services with military honors will be held on Monday, April 5, 2021, at 10:30 am at the Kansas Veteran's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Russell Reitz Animal Shelter or the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation, Manhattan, Kansas.