Melton Carey Duke

Melton “Carey” Duke, Jr.

2/7/1943 - 3/28/2024

Carey was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, the son of Melton “Carey” Duke, Sr. and Nell Mixon Duke. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana Tech, he took his first job as the Power Plant Manager with the city of Alexandria.   While employed with the city, he met his future wife, Carol Michiels, and they were wed on April 23, 1971.  

Carey was a brilliant engineer with an entrepreneurial spirit, and his early work included solar energy design and sales, managing and improving electrical service in Houma, La., and asbestos and building inspections.  As a couple, Carey and Carol had many adventures together. They owned a bridal boutique store in Houston before deciding to move to Austin to be closer to their grandsons. In Austin, Carey was a faithful usher at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, and they both worked as hearing aid distributers for many years before retiring. Saturdays were designated as “Granny & Papaw Day” with lots of spaghetti (Carey’s favorite!) and fun times with their grandsons and their beloved dog Imy, and later, Ava. Carey and Carol were good friends with many of their neighbors, and would walk the neighborhood almost every day. They were married for more than fifty years until Carol’s passing on February 26, 2022.

Carey is survived by his Stepdaughter, Perrianne Askew, and her husband Marty (children Ryan and Cameron), his niece, Linda Mackie, and her husband Ian (children Faith, Eden, and Tristan), and his niece, Mary Smith, and her husband Scott (children Eli, Nathan and Lucas).

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