Rufus T. Duhart was born in Pineview, Georgia,  on January 18, 1941, the oldest of nine children born to the late J.D. Duhart (a member of Non-Prince Hall Lodge) and Pearlie M. (nee Dykes) Duhart (a member of St. Johns’ Chapter No. 25 O.E.S.). Rufus was married to the late Minda H. Duhart (nee Marsh).

Rufus was educated in the Cincinnati Public Schools and graduated from Robert A. Taft Senior High School in June 1959. Upon graduation, he attended Central Machine Technology Institute, and later he worked for Ford Motor Company as a Lathe Operator and a Committee Man for Local Union (UAW) No. 863 and earned a BA Degree in Business from Xavier University. Later, he was employed by The Baker Local Union 213, becoming its first African American to be elected its Secretary/Treasurer over part of the State of Ohio and Kentucky. He graduated from the B.C. & T International Union Officers’ Training Academy.

Community and Civic Involvement: A member of Metropolitan C. M. E. Church, where he served on its Usher Board, Trustee and Soup Kitchen Ministry Worker, a member of the NAACP and the Mt. Auburn Community Council.

Masonic Affiliation: Past Master of St. John’s Lodge No. 3, Past High Priest of Prince White Chapter No. 1, Royal Arch Masons, Past Thrice Ill. Master John P. Stein Council No. 12, Royal and Select Masters, Past Eminent Commander of Simon Commandery No. 1, Past Most Worthy Joshua of Prince White Court No. 1, Heroines of Jericho, Past Royal Advisor Cyrene Guild No. 1, Heroines of Templars Crusades, Past Patron St. Johns Chapter No. 25, Order of the Eastern Star, Past Commander in Chief King Solomon Consistory No. 20, Past Right Excellent Deputy Grand Lecturer, Royal Arch Masons for First Capitular District, Charter Member Eyes of Wisdom Court No. 3, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, a member of Alpha Priory No. 1, Knights of York Cross of Honor, a member of Phylaxis Society, Elevated the 33rd and last Degree in Masonry.

Grand Offices: Grand Outside Sentinel for David V. Moore Grand Guild, Past Eminent Prior Alpha Priory No. 1, Knight of the York Cross of Honor, Past Most Worthy Grand Joshua of the Most Ancient Prince Hall Grand Court Heroines of Jericho, Past Most Excellent Grand High Priest Royal Arch Masons for the State of Ohio and its Jurisdiction, Past Grand Thrice Illustrious Master of Royal Select Masters. Past Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar.

Rufus leaves to cherish his memory: five sons, Rufus T. Oldham (Noel), Tacoma, Washington, DuShan T. Duhart, Bryan C. Duhart, Cameron Danse and Emmett Clarkson (Bridgett), Norfolk, VA; two stepsons, Garner H. Marsh (Renee) and Anthony Marsh; five sisters, Betty J. Crews (Eugene), Rochester, New York, Ruth A. Beasley, Shirley A. Coaston (Donald), Barbara J. Duhart, and Yvonne Duhart; two brothers, Jake J. Duhart and Ben L. Duhart (Barnetta), The late Leon Duhart (a member of St. John’s Chapter No. 25 and St. Johns Lodge No. 3. The late special companion Denise L. Freeman who answered the Heavenly Father’s call, twelve grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a bonus daughter Jackie Bradley and friends.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 9:00 am until 10:00 am, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206). Masonic Rites at 10:00 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, 4521 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45232.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Duhart family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Duhart family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.