Mr. Edward “Duke” Yankalunas, 81, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Edward and Ann (Bezek) Yankalunas and was born in July 1943 in New Jersey.
In his earlier years, Duke served in the U.S. Air Force and worked in construction, becoming a very skilled painter. He passed his painting skills and knowledge onto his family, which will forever be a part of his legacy. He then began a career designing fire protection systems and used many years of his retirement to work as a car salesman and bus driver for Cherrystone Campground because he loved meeting new people.
Duke was a loving family man and beloved PopPop. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet; son, Paul, and three grandsons, Zane, Nash, and Cole; daughter, Michelle, and two granddaughters, Kayla and Sheila; and daughter, Danielle, son-in-law, Brian, and granddaughter, Kate; as well as his sisters, Ann Marie and Bonnie; foster siblings, Patty, Norman, and Karen; along with many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.
Duke will be remembered for his love of God, family, friends, and life. He was always quick with a joke and a smile. His hobbies included fishing, reading, playing cards, and gardening. He enjoyed singing praise music, particularly enjoying his time singing with the Real Men Sing Real Loud group. Duke also enjoyed participating in the Eastern Shore Emmaus Community.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, at Franktown United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Bob Talbott officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow at the church. Interment of his cremains will be held after the luncheon for anyone who would like to join the family at Franktown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Franktown United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 130, Franktown, VA 23354 or to Eastern Shore Emmaus, P.O. Box 91, Franktown, VA 23354.
Family and friends may sign the guest book at www.hollandfuneralhome.net
Arrangements are by Holland Funeral Home in Nassawadox.
