Burke “Duke” Eastes, 62, of Marion, passed away at 6:16 pm on Friday, November 1, 2024. He was born in Marion, Indiana, on Sunday, September 16, 1962, to Joseph and Marilyn (James) Eastes.
Duke graduated from Mississinewa High School in 1981. He served in the U.S. Army for three years and was a disabled veteran. He received the following awards: Army Service Ribbon, Expert (Hand Grenade), and Sharpshooter (Rifle).
He served with the Marion Fire Department for 14 years and held the positions of lead firefighter, rescue captain, and captain of extrications. Prior to the fire department, he worked at the Marion VA for 14 years with mentally handicapped veterans on the acute admissions unit.
Duke was a determined leader and competitive, striving to be the best at whatever he did. In his first year as a firefighter, he received the Governor’s Medal of Valor Award and the American Legion Award of Valor for saving an elderly woman from an apartment fire and successfully resuscitating her back to life. He received the Fire Chief’s Award in 1998, 1999, and 2011.
Duke endeavored to be the best he could be to serve and care for his community. His continued education included becoming a CPR instructor, dive master, and rescue dive coordinator. He taught free CPR and first aid classes at Mississinewa High School and to others who needed to renew their certification.
Duke served Gas City 3-Way recreation programs for 15 years as commissioner and coach. He umpired little league baseball in Upland for 14 years and coached every kid on the field.
Duke was a member of the Tribe Motorcycle Club and was known as an all-around good Samaritan, going out of his way to help others. An avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed trapping and taught his sons to hunt and fish as they grew up. He also enjoyed playing golf with friends and was part of a golf league for many years.
In 2001, Duke achieved a lifelong dream of owning a country property in Marion, which he loved taking care of. During the last six months of life, Duke became reacquainted with Kenny Cooke, who helped around Duke’s farm.
Survivors include his wife, Sheryl Eastes of Gas City; sons, Brandt Eastes and Brock Eastes of Van Buren, IN; granddaughters, Burkli Eastes and Brixley Eastes; brothers, Joe Eastes, Brad (Shari) Eastes, and Chad (Sunday) Eastes; and friend and caregiver, Joy Boothby.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Edward Eastes; mother, Marilyn Louise Eastes; and sister, Tracy Jones.
The family will receive visitors from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Duke’s life will begin at 6:00 pm with Pastor Mick Simpkins officiating. Burial will take place at Marion National Cemetery at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
