Donald R. Duncan

Donald Randolph Duncan, 88, was called to rest on June 8, 2013 surrounded by his children in Fort Worth, Texas. He was born on October 7, 1924 to J.D.D. and Gladys (Glisan) Duncan in Thomas, West Virginia. He graduated from Thomas High School in Thomas, West Virginia in 1940 at the age of 16. Don attended West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, interrupted by his military service, but eventually earned a BS in Business Administration (1949), and an A.B. in Geology (1954), along with Graduate Study in Geology (1955). He also attended Tulane University where he was a forward and team captain for the Green Wave Basketball team from 1944 to 1946, and NROTC. Don enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and served for seven and one half years. He was honorably discharged in 1962, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. He was honored to have served his county and continued to stay in touch with shipmates of the U.S.S. Fletcher DD.445. He began work for Lyon Oil in 1957. In 1961, he moved his family to Metairie, LA and began his career at Louisiana Land and Exploration Company, from which he eventually retired. During his 19 years at LL&E, he worked as a District Geologist, District Manager, and Senior Explorationist. After moving to Abilene, he worked as an Independent Consulting Geologist until 2010 at the age of 84. He loved every part of his career in geology and often stated he “hadn’t worked a day in his life.” Don married the love of his life, Jane Hunt Duncan on April 2, 1954 in Burton, West Virginia. They were happily married for 48 years, and were devoted to their family of six sons, one daughter, nine grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Don was a member of Phi Kappa Psi social fraternity, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists, Abilene Geological Society, West Texas Geological Society, and West Central Texas Oil and Gas Association. He was a faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and The Beacon Sunday School Class in Abilene, Texas. He was known as “Dr. Golf” due to his avid pursuit of knowledge of golf fundamentals, architecture, history and technology. He was a great encourager of young athletes. He was an enthusiast who enjoyed playing and coaching basketball, reading of all kinds (especially Historic Novels), amateur genealogy, and Big Band Jazz. He was preceded in death by his parents J.D.D. and Gladys (Glisan) Duncan; sisters, Marjorie Duncan and Patty Michaels; and his wife, Jane (Hunt) Duncan. Don is survived by his six sons and their wives: Jim (Michele Funk) Duncan of Camarillo, CA; Peter (Rachel) Duncan of Plano; Frank H. Duncan of Abilene; John W. Duncan of College Station; William (Julie) Duncan of Germantown, TN; Andrew Duncan of Fort Worth; his daughter and her husband, Suzanne (Bill) Holloway of Fort Worth; nine grandchildren: Brodie Duncan, Connor Duncan, Scott Duncan, Courtney Duncan, Preston Duncan, Parker Duncan, Christian Duncan, Duncan Holloway and Jane Holloway; and one great-granddaughter, Ayla Jane Duncan. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Friday, June 14, 2013 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the West Texas Rehab Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605 or to the donor’s favorite charity.