Richard "Duke" W. Croy

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

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

Duke was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School. He served in the U.S. Navy, stationed in the Pentagon for 4 years and served an additional 4 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 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2019 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.