Clifford R. "Duke" Ellington
September 05, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009, the world lost a very good man, Clifford R. Ellington. Most people knew him as Duke. He died of complications of heart problems. Born August 12, 1928, Duke lived in Des Moines most of his life and graduated from East High School. Soon after he joined the Army and later the CB’s and was stationed on Guam.
He was a member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 33 for over 50 years. He retired in 1985 after his first heart surgery. Duke was a member of the Shriners and played snare drum in the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Pipe Band until approximately 1985. In 1961, he married Jeanette M. Zimmerman of Urbandale. Together they had a son, Corby Ray who died shortly after his birth.
Duke worked for several mechanical contractors in the Des Moines area and was a Superintendent on many jobs including; the Wallace Building and the Financial Center to name a few. He was a member of several organizations in Des Moines. Duke and Jeanette owned a cabin in Missouri where he loved to fish and have a good time with his friends. He especially enjoyed traveling with the United Life Insurance Company and making friends with all of the agents and their families.
Duke was involved with the cooking competition at the Iowa State Fair up until three years ago, and continued to sponsor some of the pie competitions. He was very proud of his Blue Ribbons. He usually won a Blue Ribbon for his Carrot Cake, Coconut Cream Pie and his Velvetta Cheese Fudge.
Duke is survived by his wife, Jeanette; sister, Sandra; sisters-in-law, Katie (Jack) Stewart and Norma (Terry) Youngbear; brother-in-law, Richard (Terri) Zimmerman; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mame and Charles Ellington; son, Corby Ray; his brother, Corby Ellington who was killed in WWII while with General Patton in Africa; and his in-laws, Mae and Dick Zimmerman.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. with burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation or Hospice of Central Iowa.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Lesa Moose
09/09/2009
Jeannette -
Even though I never met Duke, I felt like I knew him well through your stories and getting to know you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Just want you to know how many people are thinking of you! Our sincerest sympathy - from the entire staff at Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank, Waukon.
Deborah Ellis
09/08/2009
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Sue Wilson
09/08/2009
Jeanette,
Please accept my sympathy in the loss of your beloved Duke. How true that the world has lost a very good man!! My husband and I only met Duke a few times, but always felt like he was a friend. He one was of those people who made you feel like you had known him for years. He truly enjoyed life and cared deeply for others.
I am so glad that we were able to spend some time with you and 'The Duke' at Ishnala and Chula Vista this past July. We will cherish those memories.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Take care,
Sue & Darwin Wilson
Jada Hallberg
09/08/2009
Jeanette - I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I am so very sorry for your loss. Please take comfort from knowing you are in the thoughts of many others.
Kari Suhrbier
09/08/2009
Jeanette-
I was so sorry to hear of Duke's passing. I'm sure he will be sorely missed after your many years together. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Kari Suhrbier
Sue Stilwell
09/08/2009
Dear Jeanette,
I shall never forget all the trips with Duke-- his smile, jokes, and his marvelous personality were treasures. And let's talk about that FUDGE for which he was so famous! There will never be another like him. Rejoice in all that he was to so many of us who will miss him.
Sue