Gene LaVerne Duke was born on a cattle ranch 17 miles west of Nara Visa, New Mexico, November 28, 1933 out on the lone prairie where the coyotes howl and the wind blows free, in the time of the great Dust Bowl. He was one of thirteen brothers and sisters growing up on the Duke family farm in San Jon, New Mexico. He was a major part of the farming operation, growing Broom Corn, raising turkeys and running the family dairy.
He graduated from San Jon High School in1953, and New Mexico A&M in 1958 with a B.S. in Agriculture Education and a Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. He served seven years on active duty and in the army reserve, attaining the rank of Captain. In 1954, he spent three months in Pakistan on the International Farm Youth Exchange program as the single delegate from the State of New Mexico.
He fell in love with Clebbie Turner during college and they were married on August 12, 1955. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized in April, 1959.
He began his first business in 1960 operating Southwest Seed and Delinting (Technical Seed Processors) in Brownfield, Texas, then expanding to three other plants located in Lamesa, Tahoka and Seagraves, Texas. He developed multiple varieties of registered cottonseed. He had a passion for inventing and obtained several U.S. Patents. After 45 years in the cottonseed processing and plant breeding business he retired to a life of leisure farming.
His wife, Clebbie, of 48 years preceded him in death, January of 2004. She was the love of his life and constant support in life and business. He was blessed once again with love and friendship on February 18, 2006, when he married his friend, sweetheart, and former high school classmate, Lita Joyce Arnett Holsteen.
Gene loved to tell stories. He wrote two books and spent many of his last days writing his memoirs. He loved to travel with his family and friends. He especially loved snow skiing and taking his family water skiing. He coached youth sports, taught many Sunday school classes, and served as an Elder in the church.
He is survived by wife Lita Joyce Holsteen, his children Rawlene Duke Williams and husband David, Harvey Duke, LaDean Duke Noakes and husband Jim. Lita’s children, Neil and Alane Holsteen. His beloved grandchildren, Sarah and Megan Duke (great-grandson Levi), Tanner and Jackson Noakes, Braden and Chandler Duke, and Ian and Erin Holsteen.
