With heavy hearts, we share the passing of West Paul Dukes of Bloomfield, CT.
These are the contours of a life that meant a great deal to many.
What was given remains, even when the giver is gone.
West "Pookie" Dukes, 60, of Manchester, beloved husband for 18 years of Paulette Taylor-Dukes, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2026.
West was born in Hartford, the son of West Rice, Jr. and the late Lessie E. Gordon, and graduated from Bulkeley High School. Since 2013, West was a dedicated employee of Southern Auto Auction and was known as an excellent worker-dependable, hardworking, always willing to help, and never without a story to tell. His coworkers and friends will remember his humor, his honesty, and the way he spoke his mind without hesitation; his truth with no filter.
For 20 years, West was a faithful member of Truth Tabernacle Ministries, where he served as a deacon and often joined in singing with the church members, his favorite songs being "Our God is an Awesome God," "He Touched Me," and "Never Would Have Made It." His walk with God played a meaningful role in his life and he was forever the witness, bringing many to the house of God to hear the message of salvation. It was West who invited the woman who would become his wife, Paulette, to church where she was baptized in 2007. They married in 2008, and Paulette is a testament to his "witness," and now serves as a minister, teacher, and member of the Usher Board. Paulette remains deeply grateful for the love, kindness, and companionship West showed throughout their years together. He was her storyteller, her partner, and the one who could always make her laugh - even when she thought, "Here we go again."
West had a vibrant sense of humor and an animated personality. He loved cars and was fascinated by them, even though every new purchase seemed to come with a problem. He would shake his head and say, "I knew I never should have bought that car." At home, whenever a meal was cooked, he would jokingly ask, "You got cash? Twenty dollars a plate." His playful spirit brought joy to those around him.
West was a loving husband, father, and grandfather - affectionately known as "Pop Pop." He cared deeply for his children and grandchildren, and his presence will be profoundly missed.
In addition to his father and the love of his life, Paulette, he leaves to cherish his memory, his children, West P. Dukes, Jr. of Newnan, GA, Keshia Dukes, Jordan Dukes, Kanasha Dukes, Miami Garrett of South Carolina, and Kevin Lee Tyson; his stepchildren, Imani Muhammad, Elijah Graham, Latoya Legette, Iris Smith, and Marina Smith; his grandchildren, Moray English, Amillioun Holmes of South Carolina, West Lee Dukes of Newnan, Georgia, Maddisyn J. Manrique, Jay'Ceriah McCray, Cashmiere Lewis, and Terreya Mayo; his mother-in-law, Bobbie Smith; his siblings, Charles Dukes, Shirley Dukes, and Charlene Dukes-Wiggins and her husband Douglas Wiggins; brother-in-law, Elonzo Taylor of Dallas, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends who will forever remember his humor, his honesty, and his generous heart.
Besides his loving mother, he was predeceased by his father-in-law, Benjamin Smith; his grandfather, Carlie Singletary, Sr.; grandmother, Mary Gary; his grandson, Jay'Ceon McCray; his siblings, William Dukes and Angel Paradise; his aunt, Barbara Singletary Sander; and uncles, Carlie Singletary Jr., Larry Singletary, and JC Singletary.
His family will receive friends on Saturday, May 9, 9-10 a.m., with a Celebration of Life, 10 a.m., at the Lodge Community Chapel, 130 Deerfield Rd., Windsor.
Burial will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield.
