Barbara Duke

Barbara Duke passed away Friday, July 15, 2011 at her home in Midland, Texas, where she and her late husband Bob (E.R.) Duke had lived for almost 60 years. Bob preceded her in death in 2002. Barbara was survived by her son, Reed, and by her daughter, Judy Duke Miller. Her immediate family includes her brother Jim Bemis, her granddaughters, Casey and Drew Miller, and her grandson, Chris Duke and his son, C.J. Duke. Her sister, Mildred Berry, preceded her in death. Barbara Ann Bemis was the daughter of James Hervey and Gertrude Bemis of Prescott, Ark., where Barbara was born Oct. 15, 1926. She attended Prescott public schools and later the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where she was in the Chi Omega sorority and became a lifelong Razorback fan. Barbara's original nickname was "Bod," which was bestowed by her father, and she was later known as Baboo by the many children and close friends who loved her. Barbara and Bob married in August 1948 and lived in Dallas where Bob attended SMU and played football for the Mustangs. They moved together to West Texas in 1950. At her death, Barbara was the owner of Mustang Mud Company, which Bob had founded in the early 1950s. Over the years, they became mainstays in the Midland business and social community. They leave many close friends and family in Arkansas and Texas as well as in Ruidoso, N.M., and Indian Wells, Calif., where they had vacation homes. They were members of the Alto Country Club in Ruidoso, El Dorado Country Club in Indian Wells, as well as the Petroleum Club and Racquet Club in Midland. Barbara was involved with many philanthropic organizations and was an avid bridge player and a dedicated Onze player. She enjoyed golf and tennis, but mostly, she was a fantastic cook and famous for her candied jalapeños. The family would like to thank Lee, Liza, Justine, Maria, Lindsay and Dr. Summer Merritt for their loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, we suggest contributions to Hospice of Midland, Rays of Hope, Midland Need to Read and West Texas Aphasia Center. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 19 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Midland.