Wayne A. Dukes, 72, of Millsboro, Delaware, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Lewes, Delaware, on February 17, 1954, Wayne was the only surviving triplet born to the late Alfred H. "Pete" Dukes and the late Eva Robert (Dunn) Dukes. Extremely premature at birth, Wayne was placed in an Isolette incubator, where exposure to high levels of oxygen resulted in blindness. Despite this challenge, his disability never defined him. His parents were determined to give him as normal a childhood as possible, and Wayne graduated from the Maryland School for the Blind in Baltimore before continuing his education at Delaware Technical Community College in Georgetown, where he earned a degree in Social Work.

Wayne dedicated 41 years of service as a social worker for the State of Delaware, retiring on June 1, 2026. He spent several years serving in Milford before transferring to the Pyle Center in Frankford. Wayne loved helping those who were less fortunate and was passionate about making a positive difference in his community.

A devoted Christian, Wayne faithfully shared the Gospel as an evangelist, traveling throughout the region and as far as Ohio to preach God's Word. He also enjoyed singing and accompanying himself on the guitar during his ministry.

Wayne was a faithful member of Dagsboro Church of God. He was also an amateur radio operator who enjoyed listening to Christian radio stations K-LOVE and The Bridge. A lifelong sports fan, Wayne especially loved following his beloved Baltimore Orioles, listening to their games on the radio.

Wayne will be remembered for his warm, outgoing personality, his willingness to strike up a conversation with anyone he met, and, above all, his unwavering love for Jesus Christ. He faithfully read the Bible, shared his faith, and sought to encourage others through both his words and his example.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his twin brothers, Bruce Edward Dukes and Dennis Albert Dukes, and by his wife, Dorothy Dukes.

Wayne is survived by his wife of two months, Diane G. (Whitman) Dukes; his aunt, Olive Ann Milutin; his cousins, Diane and Rick Carey, Debbie and Barry Reichart, Kenneth and Sherry Milutin, and Doug and Sandy Chandler; and his beloved fur baby, Cocoa.

A viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Dagsboro Church of God, 32224 Dupont Blvd., Dagsboro, DE 19939. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 noon, with interment to follow at Carey's Cemetery in Frankford, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Wayne's memory to Dagsboro Church of God at the above address.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com