Where are you from?  That was George’s signature line to ask anyone and everyone he met. Working at two golf courses in the Arizona valley for 30+ years allowed him to meet people from all walks of life. 

George Duncan Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 4, 2021, at Manteno Veteran’s Home in Manteno, IL at the age of 97. George was born to George and Olli (Dixon) Duncan as the second of five children on June 2, 1924, in Benld. 

George was a veteran of the United States Army serving in WWII as a medic. He was awarded 3 bronze stars. Upon his return, he worked for Texaco Oil in St. Louis doing sales/marketing.  It’s there where he met this cute little brunette, Veda, and married her on April 16, 1946. They welcomed a son, Mark, and daughter, Pam, while still living there. 

George was promoted and transferred to Chicago (Cary) and Lacrosse, WI throughout his 35-year career with Texaco. George and Veda moved permanently to Scottsdale, AZ in 1989 after his retirement to enjoy the warm weather and also closer to his daughter and her family. He remained there a few years after Veda’s passing in 2012 and moved to the Chicago area to be closer to his son, Mark, and his family residing in an independent living facility in 2018. 

They both enjoyed dancing (jitterbug) to the big bands in St. Louis and continued to dance throughout their marriage. He was an avid golfer and had a passion for hunting and fishing. He spent many years traveling to a remote fishing location in Canada with his son, Mark, and later his grandson, Jeff, along with many fishing buddies throughout the years. 

George loved a party and was always inviting neighbors over for cocktail hour. He loved a “Manhattan” and prided himself on making a “good” one for anyone who would join him. He loved to drive on long road trips across the country which included many trips to Florida while living in Wisconsin. 

He started working as a ranger/starter at the Arizona Grand Resort (formally the Point at South Mountain) and Point Hilton Tapatio Resort/Phoenix after his retirement in 1981 as a winter visitor. When he became a resident, he kept himself busy by maintaining his neighbor’s homes while they were away in the summer without expecting anything in return. 

George is survived by his loving family, son, Mark (Sue) Duncan; daughter, Pam (Mike) Gloyd; sister, Peggy Zarr; grandchildren, Jeff (Lauren) Duncan, Jody (Mike) Villano, Kelly (Brandon) Deardorff, Matt (Angie) Gloyd and Andrea (Jason) St. Clair; and great-grandchildren, Bryce and Shea Duncan, twins Olivia and Angelo Villano, Grayson, Maeve, and Isla Deardorff, Madilyn and Colton Gloyd, Gianna, Tatum, Harlow, and Cruz St. Clair. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. 

Advertisement

George was preceded in death by his wife,Veda Duncan (Shrum); brother, Ben Duncan; and sisters, Juanita Dmytryk and Carol Smith. 

As a lifelong hypochondriac, he finally can say to Veda “See I told you I was sick”.

Graveside service and military honors will be held on August 3, 2021, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis Mo. In lieu of flowers, send memorials to your charity of choice.  Funeral arrangements will be handled by Kurtz Memorial Chapel, Frankfort IL, www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-806-2225. 

Comments

comments