Jerry Duncan

In loving memory of our father, Jerry Franklin Duncan Sr., who laid down his working tools and passed peacefully on December 25, 2023. He was the devoted husband of 64 years to Shirley Martin Duncan, loving father of Cynthia Ann Gillespie (husband Ike Aaron), Jerry Duncan Jr., and Jennifer Hause (husband Mathew); grandfather to Stephanie Gillespie, Jason Gillespie (wife Audrea), Kaleigh Hause, and Branden Hause; and great-grandfather to Camille and Corrine Culliton. Jerry was also survived by one brother, Johnny Duncan, Alic Coe (sister-in-law), and Coy Martin Jr. (brother-in-law). He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jerry was born in Gary, WV on June 13, 1931, to the late Hattie and Wade Duncan Sr. After graduating from Gary High School in 1949, Jerry served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and worked for U.S. Steel (38 years) and the City of Gary (30 years), finally retiring in 2012.

One of the kindest souls on this planet, our father was a loving, simple, giving man who worked tirelessly to ensure his family always had everything they needed. He faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and courage. Dad was a member of the Gary Lions Club, American Legion Post #38, and the McDowell Lodge #112.

Early in life, our father learned the importance of hard work and he instilled that same work ethic in us. Dad was a man of strong faith and taught us the importance of family, hard work, and doing what is right. Jerry was an active member of the Filbert United Methodist Church serving as Treasurer and member of the Gary Pentecostal Holiness Church, serving as Sunday School Superintendent when his children were young.

Dad enjoyed being with family and friends, vacationing in the Smoky Mountains, and cheering on the West Virginia Mountaineers and the New York Yankees! Dad also enjoyed watching Virginia Tech football although we never held that against him.

Our father was a true role model who we will always look up to. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers Wade Jr., Gilbert, Edward, Daniel, and Robert (Bob). Details of a memorial service and celebration of life to be held in Spring 2024 are forthcoming.

Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear. Dad, we love you.

Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell served the Duncan family.