Donald Ray “Duck” Stulce was born on July 26, 1948 to Louis and Hallie Stulce and passed away October 16, 2026 at the age of 78 years.
As a young man, Duck worked as a carhop at Steak 'n Shake on Grand Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. Around 1966 the family returned to Shoal Creek, where he worked alongside of his grandfather, Ray Stulce and then his father purchased the Zephyr Station in 1968.
In 1968, Duck was drafted into the United States Army to serve his country during the Vietnam War. He served as a radio operator and spent 18 months overseas. During his service, he traveled through multiple countries. For his honorable service, Duck was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Upon returning home from the Army, Duck went straight back to work at the Zephyr Station in Viburnum, Missouri and worked there for more than 50 years.
On June 7, 1970, he married Erna Mae.
He loved hunting, fishing and camping.
He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Stulce; mother, Hallie Stulce; brother, Dan Stulce; and sister, Marlene Boulch.
He is survived by his wife, Erna Mae Stulce; children, Sharon (Mark) Beeman and Donald Ray Jr. (Jamie) Stulce; grandchildren, Travis, Taylor (Ryan Polite), Gabrielle (Brandon McCarter), Baylee, Lily and Donielle; great grandchildren, Chase, Colton, Isla, Liam, Aubree and Emmy; sister, Diane (John) DeNoon; and brother-in-law, Clarence Boulch; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 with Rev. Paul Davis officiating. The obituary was read by granddaughter, Baylee. Special music of "Dust on the Bible," "The Old Country Church," "My Eyes Can Only See as Far as You" and "Remember Him That Way" was played. The Patriot Guard Riders stood in honor of Donald at the funeral home.
Committal prayer and interment were in the Skaggs Cemetery in Davisville, Missouri with Full Military Honors by the U.S. Army. Casket bearers were Mark Rhoades, Travis Beeman, Brandon McCarter, Ryan Polite, Joseph Gillam and Isaiah Marty. Honorary casket bearers were Chase McCarter, Colton McCarter JP Painter Dave Eaton and Marty Maize.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
