Roy Frank LaDuke

Roy Frank LaDuke, age 83, of Cleveland, Tn., went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 13, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Zelma LaDuke; brothers, George, Jim, Kenneth, and Dick LaDuke; and sister, Betty Burns. Roy He is survived by his love and wife of 62 years, Fredna Lee Crawford LaDuke; his sons, Kenneth LaDuke and wife, Roslyn, of Big Stone Gap, Va., Stanley F. LaDuke of Knoxville, and Douglas R. LaDuke of Cleveland; grandchildren, Jarred LaDuke of Cleveland, David LaDuke of Cleveland, Christy Murray of Knoxville, Jason LaDuke of Blountville, Sheri LaDuke of Johnson City, and Jeremy LaDuke of Maryville; many great-grandchildren; his first great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Roy was born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Bay City, Michigan. He was a graduate of Bible Baptist Seminary in Arlington, Texas, and studied at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Roy lived life to its fullest. In his trek across the states, which began at the age of 14, when he left home to be on his own, he was a cherry picker, ranch hand, bear handler, airplane builder, crane operator, machinist, typesetter, horse tamer, river guide, and pastor. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 4 years during World War II. In 1955 he dedicated his life to the service of the gospel ministry, pastoring 14 pastoral charges over 55 years, last serving the Chestuee and Sugar Creek United Methodist Churches in Cleveland, Tn. During his ministry he organized and started 5 churches. Family and friends will celebrate Roy?s life and faith at 2:00 pm, Sunday, October 16, 2011, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Lakewood Memorial Gardens, South, Rossville, GA with military honors. The family will receive friends 4:00-7:00 pm, Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the funeral home. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the LaDuke family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.