Earl R. "Duke" Christman, 87, of Maxatawny Township, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 in his residence. He was the loving husband of Eva J. (Spayd) Christman, whom he married on September 3, 1955. Born in Richmond Township, Duke was a son of the late Ralph W. and Florence E. (Schwoyer) Christman. He was a member of Zion's Union Church, Kutztown (Maxatawny). Duke was a self employed dairy and crop farmer for over 70 years, retiring last year. He was a member of the Kutztown and Mertztown Rod and Gun Clubs and the Kutztown and Lyons Fire Companies. In his younger years, Duke was an active member of 4-H. In addition to his love of farming, Duke enjoyed hunting, playing cards, traveling to the casinos and going out for breakfast.

In addition to his wife of 63 years, Eva, Duke is survived by his three children, Donald E. Christman, Ruscombmanor Township, Diane L. (Christman) Lutz, fiancé of Brent A. Watson, and widow of Jack A. Lutz, Maxatawny Township, and LuAnn (Christman), wife of Scott Schellhamer, Heidelberg Township; five grandchildren, Jesse Christman, and his wife Laura, Jordan Christman, Jacob Lutz, Adam Lutz and Lauren Schellhamer; and two great-grandchildren, Abigail and Hannah Christman. He is also survived by his three brothers, Harold E. Christman, and his wife, June, Breinigsville, Ernest W. Christman, widower of Irene, Greenwich Township, and Marvin R. Christman, Breinigsville; and several nieces and nephews.

As per Duke's request, graveside services and burial will be held privately in Zion Maxatawny Union Cemetery, Kutztown (Maxatawny).

The family requests contributions be made in Earl's memory to Zion's Union Church, 329 Church Road, Kutztown, PA  19530. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.