Wayne “Duke” DuBois, 85, of Perryville, Missouri peacefully passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026 surrounded by loved ones at Independence Care Center.
Duke was born April 15, 1940 in Perryville, MO to the late Leo and Mary (Weber) DuBois.
He and Alvera Schuessler were married April 18, 1964 at Church of the Assumption in Perryville, MO.
Duke graduated from St. Vincent High School in 1959. After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and served for 4 years.
He worked at Auto Tire and Parts for over 40 years until he retired in 2002. Once he retired, he drove cars for Jays Auto Sales. If he wasn’t driving cars, you could find him hanging out at Conoco gas station talking to whoever walked in the door. Duke never met a stranger. If you were in his presence, you were automatically going to get talked to.
Duke was president and CEO of the Lucky Duck Club where many friends gathered at his house each Sunday during football season to watch the St. Louis Cardinals and he prepared his famous SOS.
He was well known for coaching and umpiring ball games. On Friday nights you’d find him on the sidelines of a football field carrying chains. As Duke got older his love for sports continued, but in a new way by cheering on and supporting our local sports teams.
He enjoyed hunting, watching westerns, telling jokes, old time country music, and his furry companion, Bo. He was well known for his sense of humor, his love for sports, especially the St. Louis Blues. There was never a dull moment with him. The one thing he treasured most is his granddaughters and great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Alvera of nearly 62 years, he is survived by, daughter, Kim (Wes) Pruett and son, Keith (Robbie Ritch) DuBois; granddaughters, Kaitlyn (Jake) Wibbenmeyer, Haley (Bryce) Weibrecht, Nicole (John) Spencer, Macy Pruett; great-grandchildren, Norah, Caden & Lainey Wibbenmeyer, Quinton & Emmy Weibrecht.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Chalmer DuBois, Wilmer DuBois; two sisters, Vivian Huber, Janet Moore.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville and will continue from 7:00 am to 9:15 am on Friday, January 16, 2026 at the funeral home.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Friday, January 16, 2026 at Christ the Savior Catholic Church in Brewer with Rev. Joe Geders C.M. officiating.
Burial will be at Christ the Savior Catholic Cemetery in Brewer.
Memorial contributions may be given to Journey Hospice, St. Vincent Schools or Christ the Savior Church.
Family would like to give a special thank you to the team at Journey Hospice for their support and compassion they provided to the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.