BATH — Jesse T. Duke, 51, died Feb. 8 after a two-year battle with cancer.

Duke was born on June 28, 1960, the son of Herald and Judith Light Duke in Oklahoma and spent his childhood there. At the age of 10 his family moved to Maine, where he graduated from high school. Not long after he graduated, he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served his country.

He wanted to see the world, so traveling was always on his agenda. He traveled the country for many years in search of the meaning of life, which he found in Oklahoma where he met his soul mate, Ashley Peterson. The couple married in 2006 and made their home in Maine to be close to his family. Family was very important to Duke and he wouldn’t think twice about being the first out the door when his son wanted to play catch.

An avid reader, he loved to listen to his daugther read and tell stories. He also loved being outdoors and planting flowers. When he wasn’t busy with family and friends, Duke could be found fixing something. He enjoyed bike riding, fishing, long walks and golf; if he had a choice, golf would be played every day and year-round.

In October 2011 he was put into hospice care and given only a few months to live. Being strong-willed and very spiritual, he fought with everything he had.

Duke was predeceased by his father, Herald Duke; sisters Bonnita Larson and Jerri Lee Duke; and daughter Kayla Duke.

He is survived by his wife Ashley of Bath; children Lexi, Cammon, Jesse Jr. and Megan Rose; mother, Judith Duke of Georgetown; brothers, Henry Duke, Dexter Ward, Pete Duke and Shawn Duke; sisters Alice Cozad and Laura Duke; friends Deb and Joe Pinkham; his side-kick “Odie”; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were held  Feb. 13 at the David E. Desmond Funeral Home followed by a celebration of life.

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