Erschel H. Duke was born October 14, 1915, in Savannah, Tennesee to Benjamin and Sarrah Duke. During World War II, Erschel served in the Army Air Corps. On August 12, 1950, he married his wife, Wanda (Coston) and they lived much of their lives in the Harrison, Michigan area. Erschel died on September 22, 1987, and he is buried in Emerson Township Cemetery. Erschel H. Duke is one of many Gratiot County men and women who served their country during a time of war.