Austin Duke

Austin Duke, 92, of Moline, passed away, September 21, 2024, at his residence.

A funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Gaines Chapel AME Church, 311 19th Street in East Moline. A visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Moline. Following the burial, all are invited back to the church for the repass. Memorials may be directed to the church.

Austin was born on October 7, 1931, in Moline, the son of Alvin T. and Vivian E. (Austin) Duke. He married Deloris E. Webb on January 17th, 1952, in Moline and she preceded him in death in 1991.

Austin retired in 1991 as personnel director with International Harvester in East Moline and also recruited new employees and helped people with their apprenticeships. He was a former member of St. Paul AME in Moline. He graduated from Moline High School in 1949 when as a senior he was class president and captain of the football team. Austin graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in physical therapy. While attending college he played football and played in the Rose Bowl in 1953. He later was drafted by the Cleveland Browns but was unable to join the team because of an injury sustained during the Rose Bowl. Austin enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his twin daughters, Linda Denbrook and Brenda Duke-Spriggs and a daughter, Cheryl Duke; son, John Browner; grandchildren, Erin, Cole, Anthony, Justin, Dedrick, and De'Mon; several great and great great grandchildren.

Austin was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister, Rachael, and brothers, Alvin, James and Truman.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.