Arthur J. Duncan Jr.

Art Duncan – devoted husband, father, uncle, and friend -- passed away at the age of 72, on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, in Austin, Texas. He was born in Houston, Texas, on September 17, 1943, to Arthur James Duncan, Sr., and Vasti Broiles Duncan.

When young, he and his family moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he grew up. He spoke of the many times his parents took him to the wonderful Will Rogers Coliseum for rodeos and fairs, and how they trusted him to ride the bus alone to the movie theatres near the Fort Worth Stockyards to watch double-feature western movies.

He attended high school in Hurst, and graduated from Bell High School in 1961. He then graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington in 1965. He was soon hired by the Veterans Administration as a programmer for their new data processing center in Austin, Texas. However, he was drafted and served in the Army for two years. Upon discharge, he returned to his position at the Veterans Administration, and quickly began working on a Master’s degree in medieval English history. Subsequently, he received his Master of Arts in History from The University of Texas at Austin in 1972. In 1981, he graduated from The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and began working for the State of Texas, first in the Governor’s office, and then for the Department of Human Services. Retiring after a successful career there, he was quickly recruited by the Veterans Administration to return as a subject matter expert on their financial systems. He eventually retired from the VA in 2014, and spent much of his retirement time hiking and participating in competitions with his new Jack Russell, Rowdy.

In 1978, he and Nancy were married. They were blessed with a son, Arthur James III, in 1982. Art was a true renaissance man– he was a voracious reader, avid historian, and possessed a keen analytical mind. His sense of humor, winning smile and distinctive laugh were some of his greatest gifts– and which he loved to share with his friends and family. Besides being a man of letters, he had a passion for wine, a deep appreciation for music, and traveled extensively. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, his son, Jim, his sister, Lael Nelson, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held, Saturday, March 5, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The family will hold a Memorial Service at 4:00 p.m., at Cook Walden Funeral Home. Burial will be held, Sunday, March 6, 2016, at 3:00 p.m., at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Holman, Texas, with a reception following.

Art had a great passion for Jack Russell Terriers. Memorial contributions may be made to Russell Rescue, in memory of Art Duncan, for Texas, to the following address: 2020 Elm Creek Road Seguin, Texas 78155.