First Posted: 1/9/2015
MOUNT CORY — Thomas Jay Dukes had meant so much to his community that a benefit was planned for today to help him in his fight against colon cancer.
Sadly, Dukes was taken by the disease Dec. 30 while at home. However, the family will continue with the benefit to help pay for Dukes’ fight.
Columbus Grove American Legion Post 516 is holding the event, with dine-in or carryout chicken dinners available from 5 to 7 p.m.. A cash bar will also be available. Gun raffles, a live and silent auction, and a 50/50 drawing will also go on throughout the night.
Attendees will also be treated to the music of Polly Mae from 9 p.m. to midnight to show support for the family.
Dukes was a 1978 graduate of Cory-Rawson High School. He was a self-employed farmer and owner/operator of TJD Trucking. Most of all, he was a family man who loved spending time with his family at places such as Dale Hollow Lake and Sunset Cove Resort.
Information released by the family said that Dukes was “one of the most caring, giving people in the world.”
Dukes was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. He fought the disease and had been in remission for seven years, acoording to the family, until it came back recently and spread to other areas.
Donations can also be made at GoFundMe.com in Dukes’ name or at First National Bank in the “No One Fights Alone FBO Tom Dukes” account.
