Community mourns the passing of Judge Louis “Luke” Duel Jr.

Guthrie lost a respected community figure this past week with the passing of Judge Louis Alvin “Luke” Duel Jr., a man known as much for his compassion as for his decades of public service. Duel passed away after a career that touched countless lives inside and outside the courtroom.

Louis Alvin “Luke” Duel Jr. was born May 8, 1963, in Guthrie to Louis A. Duel Sr. and LuAnn Wade. He attended Guthrie schools and graduated in 1981. He later earned his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Oklahoma. Determined to advance his career in public service, he attended Oklahoma City University School of Law in the evenings while working full-time as the Logan County Undersheriff.

After completing law school, Duel was hired as an assistant district attorney in Logan County. Eight years later, Judge Donald Worthington appointed him as a Special District Judge. Two years after that appointment, Duel was elected Logan County Associate District Judge, a role he dedicated himself to for the last sixteen and a half years. His steady presence, thoughtful decisions, and reputation for fairness helped shape Logan County’s court system for nearly two decades.

“The courthouse will not be the same without him,” Duel’s longtime bailiff MegAnn Woods said. “He has left big shoes to fill. I will miss him more than words can express, but I am comforted knowing that he is healed and is with our Lord in heaven.”

Close friend and superintendent of Guthrie Public Schools, Dr. Mike Simpson, reflected on Duel’s service.

“I learned he is truly a man of principle,” Simpson said. “He saw the good in the lost, as evidenced by his work in the Logan County Drug Court. He believed in accountability but also in second chances. Because of his work with numerous adoptions through the years, he also understood the importance of children being in a stable environment, a principle we both passionately shared.”

Logan County Treasurer Sherri Longnecker shared a nearby parking space at the courthouse with Duel for years.

“We parked next to each other over the course of eighteen years and had many conversations in the parking lot. He never failed to stop and say hello. He will be dearly missed,” Longnecker said.

Kindergarten teacher Deanna Davenport said Duel often stopped by her classroom.

“He was a special visitor many times in our kindergarten classroom. His interactions with my kids were amazing to watch. He always had all the time in the world for them and never seemed rushed.”

Outside of his career, Duel enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He was also a lifelong music enthusiast. In his younger years, he served as the lead vocalist for several groups and played guitar, sharing his love of music with many. Friends and family say his greatest joy came from the people in his life. He was a devoted husband, loyal friend, and someone who never hid his affection for animals.

Duel is survived by his wife, Pam, of twenty-eight years.

“His community and his co-workers over the many years in law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, and finally as a judge for more than sixteen years were truly important to him,” Pam said in a heartfelt message. “I will forever miss my gentle one, and I know many of you will as well who knew him.”

Funeral services for Luke will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 29, at First Christian Church with Pastor Ronnie Fields officiating. Interment will follow at Summit View Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.