Henry "Jack" Duncan

Henry Jackson (Jack) Duncan passed away at 98 years old on March 2, 2016 at LifeStream Cook Division in Youngtown, AZ. He was born on January 10, 1918 in Kit Carson County, Colorado, northeast of Burlington, to Bert Lorenzo and Dora Delilia Duncan. He was one of ten siblings, all of whom, with the exception of one sister, were born in sod houses.

He attended elementary school in Burlington until his parents moved away from the district and could not afford tuition for him to continue his education in Burlington. He participated in the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) from July 1934 through April 1935. He then went to Wyoming where he worked for a sawmill and later as a jack hammer high scaler on the Seminole Dan project. Jack met Bertha Gradert in Saratoga, WY and in 1937 they married in Laramie. At her death on February 5, 1992 they had been together for nearly 55 years. Surviving him are a son, Jackson Wayne (Karen) Duncan of Ninilchik, AK, and 4 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 7great-great-grandchildren; a daughter Faye Elizabeth Weber of Mesa, AZ, and 2 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. This makes a total of 6 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jack worked for the Union Pacific Railroad in Green River, WY. In 1940 he completed his education through correspondence courses, ultimately receiving a degree as an electrician. He continued his career with Union Pacific as an assistant electrician, fire chief, and pumper operator for his final 15 years. In May 1977 the company released him due to his hearing loss. He held the position of secretary of the Electrical Union for 20 years and has been a member of the IBEW for 60 years. During much of the time he spent with Union Pacific, his wife Bertha and he also owned and operated a marine and shop business. They were both involved with the Congregational Church in Green River.

In June 1992, Jack married Mary Beth Ralston and became a step father to her 3 children, Duke (Darlene) Ralston, Richard (Darlina) Ralston, and Jackie Sue (Mark) Petersen, 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

He had been an extremely active member of the Morristown Baptist Church (now called the Morristown Christian Church) in Morristown, AZ. He served 2 terms as chairman for the homeowner’s association of Circle City, AZ, instigated the plan to build a community center for the Duncan Public Park, which was named in his honor, and recently donated the lad upon which the Circle City Fire Department building now sits, housing the city’s fire truck and ambulance.

Those who have known Jack, especially his extended family members, thank him for his love and concern for them. He was special. Memorial services honored Jack at the Morristown Christian Church on March 5, 2016 at 11am. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 pm on Friday, March 18, 2016 at Lifestream, 11523 W Peoria Ave, Youngtown, Arizona and a graveside service will be held at Ft. Bridger Cemetery in Ft. Bridger, WY on June 4, 2016. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.