Russel Allen Dukes was born at the family home in Lenox, Iowa on March 10, 1954, the son of Russell Dukes and Dorothy (Bivens) Dukes. He grew up in a family of nine siblings attending school in Lenox, graduating with the Class of 1972. After graduation, he joined the United States Army where he proudly served his country, being stationed in Germany in 1973. While in Germany, Allen became a proud father to his first son, Lafe, and later, while stationed in Oklahoma in 1975, he was delighted to welcome his second son, Tyson. He was honorably discharged in November 1977, with the rank of Sergeant. Allen returned to Lenox and became a brick mason under the direction of Huber family. He then moved the family to Montana where he drove truck for the oil fields. The family later moved back to Lenox where he attended SWCC and Northwest Missouri State University where he graduated with his bachelor's degree in teaching and coaching.
On February 8, 1986, Allen was united in marriage to Debra Parman and the couple were blessed with the birth of their daughter Calie. Allen began his teaching career in Worth County and Northeast Nodaway, returning to Lenox where he began teaching and coaching in 1993. Over his teaching and coaching career, Allen taught History and Social Science along with coaching everything except wrestling and volleyball! Allen was a gifted coach and led many teams to state in football, track, and bowling. In 1990, he brought a win in the 4x800 relay in girls track in Worth County, MO. In 1991 Allen coached the 4x100 and 4x200 girls track relays to state titles as well. In Lenox, Allen led many teams to success as the 2005, 2009, and 2010 football teams were state runners-up. The 2008 Lenox football team had a banner year that was marked by a win in the state championship, Allen’s 100th win, and he was also awarded Coach of the Year. In 2016, he retired from teaching and coaching. After his retirement, he was very active in the Stock and Saddle Club and helping neighbors farm. Allen and Debra were fortunate to travel across the country to visit with family and friends.
Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, and friend is his loving wife Debra Dukes of Lenox; his two sons Lafe Dukes (Laura) of Prole, Iowa; Tyson Dukes (Johnna) of Okoboji, Iowa; his daughter Calie Worisek (Jen) of Creston, Iowa; four grandchildren: Hattie, Holden, Lawson and Rawlins; one brother, Leroy; six sisters, Wilma, Helen, Linda, Lora, Bobbi, and Kathie; along with many other family members, friends and of course, his horses!
Preceding Allen in death are his parents, Russell and Dorothy; two brothers, Gary and Charlie; and his father-in-law, Bill Parman.
Allen was a proud husband, father and grandfather. A trusted and loyal friend, an exceptional coach and a kind and caring human. He was honored to have touched the lives of many students, athletes, friends, and family. His memory will live on in the lives of all of those who found inspiration in his leadership, friendship and love.
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