Joseph Bolen

Born Nov. 23, 1920, in Jackson, Ala., to Sidney A. and Hattie Carolyn Bolen, Duke was the fifth of seven children. As a young man, he attended Texas Christian University, where he met and married Margaret "Doadie" Ross. They were married 57 years; she preceded him in death in 2002. Duke loved music and therefore studied it while in the Navy V-12 program at TCU.        Music had to be put on hold as World War II approached. Duke was deployed as a Navy musician to Pearl Harbor and survived the Dec. 7, 1941, attack while aboard the USS California. Soon after that he was sent to the intelligence unit in the Philippine sea frontier, where he finished out his Navy career.        After a short stint in real estate, he spent the rest of his career working for the Texas Turnpike Authority. He retired in 1982 as a staff service officer.        After retirement, Duke dedicated much of his time to his lifetime passion of bowling. He was active in the sport up until shortly before he died. He was an honored lifetime member of the Fort Worth Bowling Association.        Joseph E. Bolen, known by family and friends as "the Candy Man," "Daddy Duke" or simply "Duke," was a kind and generous man who brought much love and laughter to all who came into his life.        Survivors: Daughters, Dana Praytor and Debbie Cutler and her husband, Donnie; grandchildren, Kelli Kennedy, Ashley Duncan and Jayme Duncan; great-grandchildren, Taylor Kennedy and Justin Rose; brother, Hubert Bolen and his wife, Janie; sister, Wareene Barbaree and her husband, Frank; and nieces, Flo Miller and her husband, Sammy, Becky Stacey and her husband, Ray, Nancy Gillispie and her husband. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph Bolen please visit our Sympathy Store.