Long before Foxy’s ever opened its doors on Third Avenue in Oakdale, that same spot was home to Duke Cutler’s liquor store—a familiar gathering place where locals could always expect a friendly word and a steady presence behind the counter.

Louis “Duke” Cutler was born on Halloween in 1895 and lived a life rooted deeply in Oakdale’s small-town rhythm. Known for his quiet strength and work ethic, Duke became a fixture in the community through his shop, which stood as a testament to the era’s entrepreneurial spirit. For years, his store served not just as a place of business, but as a neighborhood touchstone where people swapped stories, caught up on local news, and shared the simple camaraderie of town life.

Duke’s legacy extended beyond his storefront. He and his wife raised a son, Robert Louis Cutler, known to many as “Bob.” Born on September 3, 1920, in Oakdale, Bob inherited both his father’s sense of duty and his deep connection to the town. He served his country honorably as Captain Robert Louis Cutler V, continuing a tradition of service that defined his character.

After his time in the military, Bob returned home to Oakdale, where he remained until his passing on April 26, 1983, at the age of 62. He was laid to rest at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery, just a short distance from where his family’s legacy was built.

Together, Duke and Bob Cutler represent a piece of Oakdale’s enduring story: two men whose lives were woven into the fabric of the town they loved. Though the liquor store is gone and time has passed, their memory lingers in the streets they walked, the neighbors they knew, and the community they quietly helped shape.