Carmon Grover Dukes, Jr.

Carmon Grover Dukes, Jr., a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, departed this life on August 20, 2026, in Waco, Texas. Born on December 1, 1947, in Vivian, Louisiana, Carmon lived a life marked by dedication, adventure, and unwavering love.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas. Services will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend on the Claybar Funeral Home website.

Visitation will be held the evening before the service from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

A proud graduate of Little Cypress High School's Class of 1968, Carmon answered the call to serve his country at the tender age of 18, enlisting in the Marine Corps. He bravely served in Vietnam as a sharpshooter, a testament to his courage and commitment. After his honorable service, Carmon dedicated 37 years of his life to Pipefitters Local 195, from which he proudly retired.

Beyond his professional life, Carmon was a man of many passions. He was a member of Masonic Lodge 251 in Milam, Texas. He found immense joy in the great outdoors, whether he was hunting, fishing, or feeling the wind in his face on his beloved Harley. Carmon was truly one of a kind – independent, thoughtful, and a man who lived a full life, never slowing down, even after retirement. His spirit of adventure and zest for life were infectious.

His greatest treasures were his family. Carmon leaves behind three daughters: Melissa Kay Sanders and her husband Raymond, Brandy Renee Cates and her husband Arnie, and Kathryn Marie Monk and her husband Travis. He was a proud grandfather to Chelsea Robinson (Stoney), Trent Kirkendall (Sydney), Kenny Sanders, Malcolm Ewing (Kristin), Heather Sanders (Joseph), Allen Sanders (Christina), Cody Sanders, Gabriel Barzee, and Charlotte Monk. His legacy also lives on through his 21 great-grandchildren, including Ali Platt, who took wonderful care of him as a CNA, and his little best friend Athena Ewing, who brought him immense joy.

Carmon is also survived by his loving sisters, Shirley Lynd and Ina Hanson and her husband Glenn; and his special mule, Festus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carmon Sr. and Onalee Dukes; his brother, Raymond Dukes; his sister, Linda Dotson; and his brother-in-law, Pete Lynd.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be John Smith, Phillip Parker, Mark Weeks, Wayne Sullivan, Kenneth Jenkins, and Drew Dotson.

Carmon’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his spirit of independence, his warm heart, and his adventurous soul will live on forever.