Duke, Larry G. 1943-2025 Platte City, Mo.
PLATTE CITY, Mo. – Larry G. Duke, 82, Platte City, Missouri, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2025. He was born April 22, 1943, in St. Joseph, to Norman and Maxine (Boggess) Duke.
Larry attended Lindbergh Elementary and Lafayette High School, where he played basketball. He then attended St. Joseph Junior College and Northwest Missouri State College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Larry worked loading trucks for Frito-Lay during high school and college, then embarked on his accounting career after college graduation. He first worked for Ketter and Associates, then was a partner in Adams Duke and Company, which had offices in Kansas City and St. Joseph. Larry ran the St. Joseph office, then eventually bought out his partner and operated Larry G. Duke Accounting for 25-plus years.
After reconnecting with childhood friend Carol Simms at the Lafayette Class of 1961 30-Year High School Reunion, they wed on Feb. 20, 1993.
Larry was active in the community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. He was a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army and delivered Meals on Wheels. He also organized and chartered and was the first treasurer of the Timber Park HOA in Platte City.
Faith was important to Larry. He was a deacon and served on the finance committee at Wyatt Park Baptist Church, then was finance chairman at North Cross United Methodist Church in Kansas City. Later, he was an active member of Platte City United Methodist Church.
When he wasn’t working, Larry enjoyed tending to his garden. His family counted on him as the “hole digger and Miracle-Gro guy.” He was known for his strawberries, tomatoes and fruit trees.
In his younger years, he enjoyed racquetball then later could be found at the golf course with his brother, David, or his best friend since kindergarten, Bill Reichen. He also was an avid Chiefs fan.
Most of all, Larry enjoyed time with his family, especially the grandchildren. He looked forward to birthday, Christmas and fireworks shopping trips with them and was pleased he could help them out with college expenses.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Maxine Brewer; stepfather, Robert Brewer; father, Norman Duke; stepmother, Betty Duke; and stepbrother, Richard Brewer.
Survivors include wife of 32 years, Carol; children, Angela (Douglas) Duke, Paul (Crystal) Simms, and Alison (Kelly) Horn; grandchildren, Arron (Jansen) Duke, Alissa (Joel) Polsky, Sydney (Cru) Couldry, Madelyn (Josh) Oppenlander, Clementine Horn, Trey Simms, Collin Simms, Charles Horn, and Linus Horn; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, David (Sue) Duke; numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1 p.m. Saturday, Platte City United Methodist Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.
Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
