Edward Steven Duke

March 4, 1949-May 26, 2023
Dr. Edward Steven Duke, commonly known as Steve, passed away on May 26, 2023.  Steve was an accomplished individual, excelling in various aspects of his life, including his career as a dental scholar and his passion for fishing. He was a husband, father, a brother, a son, and a friend who will be missed.

Born in Peoria, Illinois, Steve's family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada during his early years. He cherished memories of his youth, spending joyous days with friends in the desert. Steve's academic journey led him to Reno for college, where he worked diligently to support himself by dealing Blackjack. It was during this time that he found mentorship and colleagues who recognized his potential, urging him to pursue a career in dentistry. He attributed his early success to his mother’s unwavering support. Steve enrolled in Dental School at Loyola University Chicago, earning his DDS degree. Later, he furthered his education at Indiana University, specializing in dental materials.

Steve's passion for serving his country led him to join the Air Force, where he achieved the rank of Colonel before retiring. His Air Force career brought him to San Antonio, Texas, where he worked at Lackland Air Force Base until he transitioned into the reserves. Throughout his remarkable career, Steve dedicated much of his time to the UT Health Science Center, where he became an internationally renowned expert in dental materials. He was known to playfully tease his children with slides of bad teeth. Steve's expertise took him around the world, delivering lectures on various continents and immersing himself in diverse cultures and cuisines, which he shared with his family. He retired from his academic career as Indiana University’s Dental Association endowed chair. Following his academic career, Steve became the Chief Dental Officer of the VA in Central Texas.

While dentistry was a significant part of Steve's life, his heart truly belonged to the art of angling. Whenever he found respite from work, Steve would embark on his boat, exploring lakes across Texas. The tranquility and serenity he found while fishing brought him immense joy, complemented by the exhilaration of racing across the water in his bass boat, searching for the perfect spot. In retirement, bass fishing became Steve's primary pursuit, culminating in his fulfillment of a lifelong dream: living on Canyon Lake and establishing a fishing guide business.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, Richard Duke, his cherished mother, Lillian Duke, and his faithful, canine companion, Luke Duke. He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Duke, his children Anthony Duke and his wife Jayna, Joanna Lucio and her husband Daniel, and Chris Duke and his wife Jana. Steve's legacy also lives on through his grandchildren Isabella, Orion, Nicholas, and Cassiopeia. He also leaves behind his sisters Carol Nicheff, Kathleen Duke, and Vicki Rossi and her husband Rob, his brother Richard Duke and his wife Teresa, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dr. Duke touched the lives of many through his dental expertise and his love of fishing. He will be fondly remembered for his humor, wisdom, and thoughts on everything he researched. May he rest in eternal peace.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward Steven Duke, please visit our floral store.