ONEONTA – Durward "Duke" P. Thayer, 83, passed away at home unexpectedly on Sunday, January 18, 2015.

He was born December 14, 1931 in Cooperstown, the son of Harry and Maude (Scheneceder) Thayer.

Duke served in the United State Army, during the Korean conflict, and was honorable discharged as a decorated combat veteran, receiving the Purple Heart.

He married Audrey Niles on April 1, 1956.

Duke worked as a truck driver for L.P. Butts Building Products and Sherwood Fashion. He also worked for the City of Oneonta driving bus for Oneonta Public Transit and Oneonta School District, as well as driving a taxi. In Duke's love of driving he became a Certified Drivers Examiner.

He was a member of the Redman Hall in Cooperstown, was in a barber shop quartette and was a Boy Scout Leader.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey Thayer of Oneonta; children, Linda Wheeler and Paul Thayer, both of Oneonta; grandchildren, Barry and Bonnie Wheeler, Bryan Wheeler and Brandon and Leslie Wheeler; great-grandchildren, Laila and Jaiden Wheeler and Bayli and Bryce Wheeler; a sister, Polly and Don Knapp of Schenevus; a brother, Dick Teachout of Richfield; a brother-in-law, Karnes and Rosalyn Niles, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by 3 brothers, a sister, and a son-in-law, George Wheeler.

Calling hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Friday January 23, 2015 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz S., Oneonta. The funeral service with military honors will be at 6 p.m., with the Rev. Keith VanDewerker, pastor at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Unadilla, officiating.

Interment will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2015 Oneonta Plains Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Opportunities for Otsego, 3 West Broadway, Oneonta, NY 13820 or the Office for the Aging, Meadows Complex, Suite 5, 140 Co. Hwy. 33W, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com