Tom T.J. Duke

Tom "T.J." Duke, age 66, of West, passed away early Saturday morning, April 10, 2010 at his residence. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Curtis Holland officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. T.J. was born on July 4, 1943 in Hillsboro, the son of Thomas, Sr. and Mattie (Ramsey) Duke. He attended Hillsboro schools and served in the National Guard for 8 years. T.J. worked for Yellow Cab Co. for 11 years and was also a propane mechanic. He was also owner and operator of Strickly and Strickly Country in West for over 20 years. T.J. enjoyed woodworking, art, and was very talented with leather work. He also enjoyed playing the guitar and singing and was an excellent "DJ". He is also preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Evelyn Roseman, Dorothy Coker, Corrine Talbert, and Vivian Watson; and his niece Kitty Hollifield. Survivors include his life-long partner, Merle Gilson of West; one sister, Odessa Schronk of Bynum; six nephews, Ronnie Rosemon and David Schronk, both of Hillsboro, Wendal Schronk of Houston, Donald Joe Schronk, of Bynum, Larry Talbert of Whitney, and Jason Coker of Tyler; four nieces, Judy Lynch of Waco, Teresa Lenart of Glassgo, MT, Donnice Sorrell of Hubbard, and Sherry Watson of West; his cat, Girlfriend, and many great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, other relatives, and friends. Active pallbearers are Johnny Trevino, Bernie Lenart, Clyde Vrba, Mike "Snake" Adamson, Jimbo McCoy, Cliff Woods, Dwaine Snokhous, and Larry Joe Marek. Honorary pallbearers are Dennis Porter, Larry Vrba, R.B. Brooks, Julio Rodarte, Benny Morgan, Bimbo Hand and Jim Quick. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hillcrest Community Hospice or Fuzzy Friends Rescue.