Date Of Birth: July 25, 1945
Date Of Death: August 30, 2003

One of Indiana’s most respected high school administrators, died Saturday, August 30, 2003 in St. Vincent Hospice in Indianapolis, following a courageous battle with tonsil cancer, he was 58.Born July 25, 1945 to Richard Hatton Duke and Patricia Eloise Duke. Dr. Duke’s father was a long time minister of Southminster Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, where Dr. Duke accepted Jesus Christ as his savior, standing before his father in 1972.A graduate of Franklin Central High School, in 1963 and Hanover College in 1967. Dr. Duke earned his Masters and Doctorate degrees at Indiana University. A life long educator, Dr. Duke began his career at Belzer Jr. High, Indianapolis as a math teacher and athletics direcor. He was the first assistant princiapl at Lawrence North High School when it opened in 1976. Dr. Duke served as principal of Franklin Central High School from 1986-1989, when he became principal at Carmel High School until his retirement in 2002.Dr. Duke was a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Indiana Association of School Principals where he served as vice-president, president-elect president and board member from 1999 – 2002. He was a state committee member for the North Central Association and an alumniboard member of the Indiana Principal Leadership Academy where he served as an initial planner and facilitator for the professional organization.He also served as a board member of the Carmel Clay Educational Association, a member of the Carmel Clay Chamber of Commerce and a worship board member of Grace Community Church.From 1996 to 2000, Dr. Duke served as a member of the Indiana Principal Leadership Academy Blue Ribbon Design Team. In 2000, the Indiana Association of School Principals named him "Secondary Principal of the Year. He was also an adjunct professor in school administration at Butler University from 1996 to 2000.In addition to his work, Dr. Duke’s passions included music, golf and gardening. An accomplished keyboardist and guitarist. Dr. Duke played in several bands, beginning while a student at Hanover and continuing up to his most recent birthday in July. He also performed with the Grace Community Church Band. Both of his children have followed his lead in becoming musicians as well. Beloved by his family, students and friends, among the many descriptions of ’Bill" are that he was a man of integrity, loyalty, intelligence and compassion, and that he maintained a deep devotion to his Lord, Jesus Christ. Quick-witted and brilliantly perceptive, Dr. Duke demonstrated an uncanny ability to identify problems and find workable solutions. His grace and courage throughout his life, particularly during his long battle with cancer underscored his unselfish concern for others and his ability to rise above personal hardship. Said one close friend "Bill has set the bar awfully high for the rest of us."Dr. Duke is survived by his wife of 24 years, Polly (Cruse) Duke: son Thomas Richard: daughter Amy Louise: sister Cynthia Hannan.Contributions may be sent to the Dr. William H. Duke Scholarship in care of Carmel Clay Education Foundation, 3201 E. 131st St., Carmel, IN 46033 or the Bill Duke Memorial Fund: Guatemala Mission in care of First Presbyterian Church, 917 Prosperity Farms Rd., North Palm Beach, Fl. 23406.