Neng "Duke" Vang

It is with great sadness and sorrow, that on the eve of Thursday September 28th 2023, we bid farewell to our son, our husband, our father, our friend, our brother Neng "Duke" Vang. So close and yet so far from home, heaven seems so much further away now. A distinctive genuine soul gone too soon.

Duke came from a family of eight; his father (Chong Kai Vang), mother (Shia Lor) and six total siblings with him being the eldest. There are three sons (Duke, Kea and Souk) and three daughters (Amanda, Anita and Boun). The Vang family started with origins from across the ocean to the West coast of California. After some time, they went from palm tree beaches to Christmas tree blizzards on the East coast of New York. With open hearts and minds, Duke was graced to find someone to share a life and nurture a future with. Together as High School loves, his wife Sherry Lee.

The changing seasons of 'Spring to Winter' in Syracuse, NY alongside the palette of colors that coincided with, could not compare to the shimmer and brilliance with which was their unconditional love for one another. Inseparable, you would be hard pressed to find an event or a picture that they weren't together. Sherry the intrepid artist and photographer found ways to capture these memories and create nostalgia many years to come.

They found happiness and enjoyed all the moments regardless of any and all outside turbulence. They were wed in 2000 and shortly after found themselves setting roots in the countryside of Decatur, Arkansas. They have 4 beautiful children together; one daughter (Celeste) and three sons (Cam'ron, Kingston and Jameson).

Duke was always selfless, strong willed and hopeful. First to help, first to get his hands dirty to get the job done even in brand new boots or shoes. He had a gravity about him that pulled people in and a loyalty that made people stay. He loved his family, wife, kids and his friends. His door was always open and he was inclusive to anyone far and wide.

Duke never took himself too seriously. He wouldn't call himself an educated person, but he knew what he liked and strived to be the best at it. An avid and seasoned outdoorsman, animal enthusiast, mechanic, blue collar simple kind of man who was always willing to toast to the good life with the blessings of good company. Wise even with few words, thoughtful with sincerity, a real one, he taught us it didn't take any type of special offering to exercise kindness.

We take heavy steps towards being all together one more time to celebrate the life of Duke. There is a void our hearts carry that will never be replaced with the missing of his chiseled grin. He would tell us to pick up our spirits and keep our heads held high. Our strength is our love and our love is our bond. We remember we have each other and we're still here in his stead. In this time of uncertainty, please consider donating to support Duke, Sherry, their family and any unforeseen accommodations. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.