Michael Ross Dukes of Laurel passed away on Dec. 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 16, 1957, in Milford and was the oldest son of Ross and Thelma Jean Dukes.
Mike committed his life to Christ as a young boy attending Epworth Church, where he selflessly served. His church was also the place where he fell in love with and married Sandy Huffman, his high school sweetheart and light of his life. They expanded their family to include two beautiful children, Jeremy and Hannah. Mike was a true family man and always placed them first. He was a third generation carpenter. He carried a legacy that was handed to him and left it behind even stronger than it was before.
Mike also left behind a legacy of faith, character, generosity and integrity. His faith shaped every part of his life and he truly did everything as if doing it for the Lord. Mike was a skilled carpenter whose expertise was unmatched. He enjoyed working hard and doing things right, which was also evident in how he treated others.
An enormous void is felt with the loss of such a community leader, and especially felt by those he loved the most: his faithful wife of 50 years, Sandy; son, Jeremy Dukes (wife Erin); daughter Hannah Fuller (husband Hans) and four grandsons, Emory, Asher, Logan, and Quinn who viewed their Poppy as a larger than life kind of man; mother, Thelma Jean Dukes; and brother, Barry Dukes (wife Cami). A visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Central Worship Center. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Pastors Tim Dukes and Kyle Holloway will officiate. A private interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel.
Contributions may be made in Michael Dukes honor to the Clyde F. Barker Transplant House, 3940 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, which became a home away from home for the Dukes family during Mike’s long medical battles. Mike fought a good fight until the very end and would encourage others to place their hope in Jesus no matter what challenges they faced.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.