About Duke Carrillo
Midshipman Third Class Duke Anthony Carrillo, 21 years old, a resident of Flower Mound, Texas passed away at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland on February 8, 2020. Duke was born in San Antonio, Texas on October 2, 1998. He was the eldest son of Gerald and Jennifer Carrillo. Duke lived in Flower Mound, Texas from Kindergarten through 12th grade where he attended Flower Mound High School. One of Duke’s major accomplishments early on in life was becoming an Eagle Scout by age 14. He devoted himself to academics, sports, his family and friends. Duke was a three-year varsity letterman on the football team as well as the wrestling team. He was a captain for both teams and placed 3rd in the state his senior year of wrestling. He graduated Flower Mound High School in 2017.
Duke was always proud to attend the Naval Academy with his twin brother, Dylan. He worked his entire life with a constant goal to serve his country. Duke first attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island. Duke graduated NAPS in 2018 and entered the USNA class of 2022. At the Academy, Duke was a Quantitative Economics major and had exemplary grades. This past semester, he had a 4.0 GPA. His drive and energy were endless as he would often stay up into the late hours of the night to work on academics or entertain friends. He would be up at 0530 in the morning for workouts, knowing he had a full day of classes ahead.
Duke was a natural leader and a role model that both his brothers looked up to and always strived to be like. There are countless stories about Duke’s generosity, infectious laugh, and happiness he brought to all those around him. He was always surrounded by friends and would commonly host dinners, parties and get-togethers… never once asking for any help, just wanting to have a good time. Duke was a strong, hardworking and happy man. He loved fishing, hunting, and shooting rifles, and he was excellent at archery. He enjoyed listening to Texas Red Dirt music and loved being a Texas boy. Duke was the kind of man many strive to be. He never said an ill word about anyone and would love harder than anybody. He was naturally great at so many things. He would laugh, make jokes, and always be a defender of everyone he cared about. He had many outstanding accomplishments you would never hear about because he was so humble. He didn’t like talking about himself and would always steer the conversation to others’ accomplishments. Duke was fiercely loyal with the strength of a giant and the tenderness of a teddy bear.
Duke Carrillo is survived by his parents, Jennifer Carrillo and Gerald Carrillo, his twin brother, Dylan Carrillo, and his younger brother, Jake Carrillo. Dylan and Jake are currently with Training Air Wing Four at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. Dylan has selected P8s and will continue his flight training in Jacksonville, FL in the coming months. Duke will lovingly be remembered by his family, friends and admirers, and he will be sorely missed by all.
Duke
O’ wicked reaper of the darkness,
Thief of time we fail to hold dear,
Cowardly foe, your acts so heartless,
Doomed to suffer, you yearn for fear.
One daring soul, from heaven sent
Whose grace touched faces he had yet to learn,
Tasked himself a great descent
To face this reaper in his Kingdom of no return.
Chest of marble, soul never weak
With swords of iron and a heart of Gold,
Showed courage in battle that Gods yet seek.
His name is one that shall never grow old.
Leaving his people to mourn and weep
While begging our release of sorrow and pain,
His soul did ensure our peaceful sleep
In a world where the reaper did no longer reign.
Slayer of death! Lord of the Light!
Praises to be sung by every living thing!
Hades couldn’t keep his soul locked tight;
Our Duke has gone again to meet his King.