Wayne “Duke” DuBois, 85, of Perryville, died Jan. 7, 2026, at Independence Care Center, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born April 15, 1940, in Perryville to Leo and Mary (Weber) DuBois.
He and Alvera Schuessler were married April 18, 1964, at Church of the Assumption in Perryville.
Duke graduated from St. Vincent High School in 1959. After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and served four years.
He worked at Auto Tire and Parts for more than 40 years until retiring in 2002. After retirement, he drove cars for Jay’s Auto Sales. When he was not driving, he could often be found at the Conoco gas station, talking with anyone who walked in the door. Duke never met a stranger — if you were in his presence, you were 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 enjoy his famous SOS.
He was well known for coaching and umpiring ball games. On Friday nights, he could often be found on the sidelines of a football field carrying chains. As he got older, his love for sports continued in a new way — by cheering on and supporting local teams.
He enjoyed hunting, watching westerns, telling jokes, old-time country music, and his furry companion, Bo. He was known for his sense of humor and his love of sports, especially the St. Louis Blues. There was never a dull moment with Duke. The thing he treasured most was his granddaughters and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife of nearly 62 years, Alvera Du- Bois, he is survived by a daughter, Kim (Wes) Pruett; a son, Keith (Robbie Ritch) DuBois; granddaughters, Kaitlyn (Jake) Wibbenmeyer, Haley (Bryce) Weibrecht, Nicole (John) Spencer and Macy Pruett; and great-grandchildren, Norah, Caden and Lainey Wibbenmeyer and Quinton and Emmy Weibrecht.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Chalmer DuBois and Wilmer DuBois; and two sisters, Vivian Huber and Janet Moore.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville and from 7 to 9:15 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at the funeral home.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Christ the Savior Catholic Church in Brewer with the Rev. Joe Geders, C.M., officiating.
Burial will be in Christ the Savior Catholic Cemetery in Brewer.
Memorial contributions may be made to Journey Hospice, St. Vincent Schools or Christ the Savior Church.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the team at Journey Hospice for their support and compassion.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome. com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
